Phillies Asche fighting for job

CLEARWATER, Fla. (WPVI) -- Cody Asche is in a tough position.

"It's tough to play positions when you don't hit it," said Asche.

He lost his job at third base last year to Maikel Franco, and was sent to AAA to learn left field.

While left is his focus this spring, the Phillies now also want him to learn first base.

"I would say I can do all of the above," said Asche. "My goal is to be an everyday outfielder."

For Ashe to play the outfield, he needs to hit, which was a struggle last season.

His 245 batting average with just 12 homers is not cutting it, and on top of the position change and demotion, it was all eating away at him.

"Mentally when you do a couple different things and you're going through stuff and you're not having the success you know you should be, that's when it gets tough," said Asche.

After beating himself up and many sleepless nights, Asche says he has a clear mind in Clearwater, Florida, and has all the confidence in the world.

"I've shown glimpses of being a middle of the order bat, and I've shown glimpses of being a guy that shouldn't even be in the lineup," said Asche.

"You have to produce or we have to move on," said Pete Mackanin, Phillies general manager. "Now I'm betting on Cody to be successful,"