An uncertain future for Vance Worley
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An uncertain future for Vance Worley
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
OK, we've finally found a down side to having a rotation that features four All-Stars. . .
A guy like Vance Worley probably isn't going to be able to stick on the active roster, despite impressive performances in all four of his big league starts to date.
Worley could theoretically stick around for the next few weeks in the bullpen, where the Phillies are currently carrying just six pitchers. Assuming catcher Carlos Ruiz is ready to play by this weekend, the Phillies could option third catcher Dane Sardinha back to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, re-opening the seventh relief role that they have kept filled throughout most of Charlie Manuel's tenure in Philadelphia.
Worley, who allowed one run with seven strikeouts in six innings last night, could be that guy. He has certainly earned the opportunity to pitch in the big leagues. But there has been zero indication that the Phillies would seriously consider giving away Joe Blanton's job, particularly since the veteran righthander is coming off two solid outings.
So the bullpen, maybe?
First, a few things to keep in mind. . .
1) Worley is only a few months older than Domonic Brown, the organization's top prospect and a guy who is still young enough for people to attach the dreaded "not ready" label. The point: Worley is still young. Heading to the minors is something that 23-year-olds do.
2) Righthander Kyle Kendrick has appeared in just one game in the last eight days, and Danys Baez has logged only three innings since April 23. If you were going to try to find a spot for Worley to fit onto the roster, Kendrick or Baez's spots in the bullpen would be the places to look. First, Kendrick has pitched well as the long man this season. Second, and most importantly, Worley simply would not be in line to see regular work here. Not with the way Michael Stutes and Antonio Bastardo have pitched in front of Ryan Madson. If Kendrick and Baez are not getting regular work, how will Worley?
3) Righthander Jose Contreras is hoping to be back with the team by the end of the month. At which point the Phillies would likely have to option Worley back to the minors anyway.
As good as Worley has pitched, you have to think the front office is leaning toward sending him back to Lehigh Valley once Joe Blanton is activated from the disabled list. A lot could change. Blanton could have a set back. Another starter or reliever could get hurt. Or the Phillies could decide to leap-frog Worley over a couple of guys in the bullpen.
For now, though, the feeling is that Worley will wind up in Lehigh Valley. Not that he hasn't earned the chance to stay.
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You really don't want this guy in the bullpen in my opinion. He's looking like a solid starter and he needs to work as a starter to continue that progression. So, yes, he goes back down. His short term chance comes via a trade.
To me, Worley showing he's good is no reason to be a Blanton hater. Joe has a track record of being a solid starter and his last two games before going to the DL he was right back in that form. You want Joe to do well. Either way it helps us: He's worth more in a trade if he's pitching well and he's helping us win. Worley is also worth more now that's he's shown more major league stuff. Having too many good pitchers is a good problem to have.— s- Nice post and very true. No reason for fans to trash Joe and the best scenario is he comes back and pitches well.Worley will get his shot — pattymac3
- He takes Oswalts spot next year. I think Roy will retire.— glennwilson
- And regardless of Oswalt's decision on playing next year, after next year both his and Blanton's contracts are up. — s
- Thanks to the posters for some intelligent comments. Me? I just dig the Konstanty look.— road515
- In every sensible scenario, Worley stays. Bubble guys are the BBK's.
Move one of them via trade route.
— NewMick314 - Another asset for the Phillies— shawnmac
- While the Phils have typically gone with a 7-man bullpen over the last few years, with the starting pitching they've been getting, you really only need 6. They had a stat on the broadcast Sunday night that the Phils' relievers have thrown 70 fewer innings than any other bullpen in baseball. That's a lot of waiting around time for a guy who should be developing his stuff.— Bretzky
- Worley is a starter, not a reliever. He's beaten two really bad tems, no tthe Yanks or Rangers. Blanton has to start and pitch well for anyone to consider trading for him. We will not get a big bat for Blanton as anyone trading for him to make a run at the playoffs will not give up a big bat in the process, it would be a sheer salary dump situation. Contreras will come back by the end of the month, but with his age he could end up right back on the DL at any time. Lidge will not be ablke to resume any meanigful role in the pen due to lowered velocity and wildness. Now, do any of you want the winning lotto numbers for this week too?— Mark1npt
- Blanton has very little trade value unless the Phils want to eat his salary. Worley on the other hand, could probably land you a bat that could help the team. That being said, unless the have a change of heart on Ibanez or Utley has a set back, where would anyone pick up play? Unless either of those two happen, I'd move Blanton to dump some salary and to try to get a 7th/8th inning guy out of the bullpen.— dankil13
- I'm thinking if Blanton pitches well they trade him and eat some, but not all, of the salary he's owed for the remainder of this year and next year. Otherwise he's here, he's going to start, and Worly has to wait a while longer. Worley is young with options left so no real harm done in leaving him in AAA. — s
- Worley has been great in his two stints in the majors so far, but has not been dominant yet at any level at AAA other than 8 innings at Williamsport (1.12 ERA) coming out college pitching against mostly teenagers and in Lakewood 11 games (2.66 ERA) the same year. The next year he had a 7-12 record with 5.36 ERA at Reading. although he has pitched pretty decent this year at AAA. He has a 3-5 and 3.44 ERA record with the pigs. So hold your horses. Let him dominate at Lehigh Valley first. A lot of young pitchers have early success in the majors due to the league not being very familiar with them.— EL Zorro
- Right on. It also rebuts the nitwit above who implies Worley's few good appearances (vs. weak clubs) mean Amaro was wrong to re-sign Blanton. When that signing transpired, Worley was coming off that abysmal season at Reading. And without Blanton in 2010, Kendrick, Moyer, Happ and perhaps Nelson Figueroa or Andrew Carpenter figure to get 90 total starts until we acquire Oswalt... As has been noted by others, the goal is to get Blanton back to the decent, 4.33 ERA, innings-eating starter he's been for 6 seasons, then trade him to fill a dire lineup or bullpen need, swallowing some salary if necessary. (And $8.5 million is roughly the going rate for a reliable, veteran #3 or #4 starter anyway.) — PhilaLogic
- This guy is a big league starter. Ruben better hold onto this guy. Bank him in Lehigh Valley and wait to see what happens. He could be the #5 before the year is out, but certainly in 2012.— 1republican
- Four starts does not make a legend. Vance is a likeable guy and has been successful (remember Kyle Kendrick's first season and all the drool about the Philly area?). The reality is that Vance should continue to develop as a starter, pitching every 5th day for Blanton. Oswalt is coming back and when Blanton comes back, keep Vance sharp/ready at AAA. Remember, roster moves will be made in July. If Blanton is pitching well and can be moved for an outfield bat, Vance would be called up ASAP to be in the #5 hole. Until then, why waste his talent as a back of the end bullpen piece? Just doesn't make any sence.— drhoffman
