Schierholtz excited about opportunity with Phils

WASHINGTON -- Though he's moving from a contending team to a club that's all but out of the National League Wild Card race, outfielder Nate Schierholtz said he's looking forward to the opportunity that awaits him in Philadelphia.

Schierholtz was part of the package the Phillies got in return from San Francisco for right fielder Hunter Pence. The former Giant is set to join the club in Washington on Wednesday.

"It's an emotional day for me," Schierholtz said. "I'm going to miss San Francisco. I'm going to miss being a Giant, all my teammates and the fans and all the great memories here that we had, especially 2010, winning the World Series. It's tough leaving, but I'm definitely looking forward to my opportunity in Philadelphia."

Schierholtz, 28, is hitting .257 with five home runs and 17 RBIs this season. He admitted he wanted a little more playing time with the Giants. He figures to get more with the Phillies, who also traded outfielder Shane Victorino on Tuesday.

"I had a great time playing there. I feel like I was able to contribute. As a player, you always want to play more," Schierholtz said. "I was just looking for an opportunity to prove that I can play every day, and I didn't get the feeling I was going to get it in San Francisco all these years."

With Philadelphia, Schierholtz will be reunited with one of his best friends in Kevin Frandsen, a Phillies infielder. Frandsen, who was promoted from Triple-A Lehigh Valley last week, took part in Schierholtz's wedding. Both grew up in the Bay Area and were in the Giants organization. They were in contact on Tuesday when they found out they would be teammates once again, something that excited both of them.

"It's bittersweet, because honestly, I just came into this situation," Frandsen said. "So it's weird because you know how much Hunter and Shane meant to this team. You understand the hurt and you know that they're in a spot right now where everything's helping out for the organization. ... I'm excited, because it is one of my best friends that I get to play with again. We've done a lot together, playing in the Minor Leagues, playing in Puerto Rico and winter ball, and me being a part of his wedding and staying real close. It's interesting. It's cool."