PHILADELPHIA -- Kenny Lofton knows plenty about playing center field and reaching the playoffs.

The Phillies hope he doesn't forget how to do it either. A 14-year veteran with eight different clubs, Lofton's teams have seen the postseason in nine of the past 10 seasons. He's played in two World Series, including 1997 with the Indians, whose hitting coach at the time was Phillies' manager Charlie Manuel.

Lofton's postseason resume is impressive. In 81 playoff games, Lofton has six homers, 28 RBIs and 32 steals. He's coming off a 2004 season with New York in which he appeared in only 83 games. With Philadelphia, that number is likely to increase.

"I'm just happy to have an opportunity to play," Lofton said. "That's what I'm all about, to go out and help a team win. Being under Charlie before, he understands the type of person I am and the type of player that I try to be. He understands that I'm a winner."

At 37, Lofton still has the speed and range to patrol the sometimes tricky center-field region in Citizens Bank Park, a place that has given players fits.

• Catchers: Lieby to return • Corner inf.: Models of consistency • Middle inf.: Utley takes over at 2nd • Outfielders: Lofton brings experience • Starting rotation: Lieber new ace • Bullpen: Wagner looking to rebound • Bench: Polanco keeps Phil's versatile

"We're very happy to have Kenny Lofton with us," general manager Ed Wade said on the day Lofton was acquired, and that feeling hasn't changed. "To be able to get a legitimate quality center fielder is a big step forward for us. [Jason] Michaels did a very good job for us, but, at this point, we believe Kenny is our center fielder and will be a catalyst for our club."

Internal discussions regarding Lofton began before the 2004 season, and an attempt was made to acquire him at the trading deadline. When Marlon Byrd's sophomore slump lasted the season, Philadelphia identified the position a priority.

"He can help us," said Manuel. "He won't play 162 games, but he'll be able to give us 350 to 400 at-bats. He'll play a big role on our team."

The six-time All-Star will bat second in the lineup and receive the bulk of the playing time in center. Michaels, who hit .274 with 10 homers in a career-high 115 games last season, will likely receive the rest.

Flanking Lofton is a question mark and a given. In left fielder Pat Burrell, the Phillies have an enormous power threat who hasn't been able to follow up on his breakout 2002 season, when he smacked 37 homers to go along with 116 RBIs.

Another uncertainty regarding Burrell is an injury to his left wrist that cost him a month of playing time last season. Surgery had originally been recommended, but Burrell opted for treatment and healing time, returning for the final three weeks of the season. The wrist felt so good that he decided to skip surgery altogether.

No questions surround the performance of right fielder Bobby Abreu, whose consistency is well-known. The 30-year-old has hit better than .300 in six of his seven seasons in Philadelphia (and .289 in the other). He's never hit fewer than 17 homers or 74 RBIs in a season and has averaged 23/92 over the seven years.

In reaching the 20/20 mark for the sixth straight season, Abreu made his first All-Star team in 2004.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.