Enough Said?
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Enough Said?
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
Charlie Manuel isn't the most expressive guy in the world, but there are rare times when he can't suppress a grin, and in that moment it is pretty easy to tell what he is thinking. Wednesday night, he had one such moment, as he broke down lefthander J.A. Happ's complete game masterpiece against the Rockies. Colorado manager Jim Tracy called it "one of the best games pitched against us this season." Considering that they have faced Dan Haren, Derek Lowe and Roy Oswalt, that is pretty lofty praise. Manuel, of course, was asked about Happ's future in the rotation, which has been in doubt with Pedro Martinez nearing a return to the big leagues.
"One of these days I'll answer it correctly," Manuel said, declining to do so this time.
He had spent the past couple of days swatting away that question. Prior to the game, he got testy when a reporter approached the subject. But last night, he couldn't stop grinning.
I asked Manuel what Happ's performance showed him.
"I think he showed me he wanted to stay in the rotation," Manuel said.
The final line: 9 innings, 4 hits, 0 runs, 10 strikeouts, 2 walks. Oh, and a double in the bottom of the eighth that sent the crowd into bedlam. They had already given him a standing O as he walked off the mound in the eighth, noticing that Ryan Madson was warming in the bullpen. But Manuel sent him back out for the ninth, despite the fact that Happ had thrown 110 pitches. He finished with 127, the last of which smacked into Carlos Ruiz's glove for a called third strike, a fastball that was clocked at 94 miles an hour.
It'll be interesting to see what the Phillies decide to do with Pedro Martinez and Jamie Moyer. But James Anthony Happ took care of business last night at Citizens Bank Park. And, really, isn't that what the stretch run is all about?
I don't know why Happ to the bullpen was ever considered an option, even before this game. It makes no sense whatsoever.— phillyfan412
Moyer is the odd starter out, clearly he is a weakest link of the starters— jamarder- Nice little piece Dave. Happ's clearly earned it. Could the Iron Pigs use a 46-year-old lefty for their stretch run?
- I think they are seriously considering sending Moyer to the pen for long relief, spot starts and back-up in case Pedro can't cut it in the rotation. By the time the other relievers all get back from the DL, there will be expanded rosters and Moyer won't be taking anyone's roster spot in the pen. I think the Phils aren't answering questions out of respect for Moyer because they don't want to subject him to an extra 3 weeks of being barraged by the media with questions about being taken out of the rotation. Besides, until Pedro is officially ready to start in the majors, then there's no reason to announce anything and ruffle anyone's feathers.— JimG
Alright than Phillies, don’t mess this up. You made a few brilliant moves during the trading deadline, and as a result, have got Lee AND Happ in the rotation w/o giving away any of your best prospects for, um, what’s his face up there in Canada(by the way, anybody catch that Blue Jays - Yankees game the other day. how did Toronto’s SP fare in that game?)…Anyways, getting back to the point - it’s a no-brainer. You wanna give yourself the best chance to win., than Happ stays in the rotation…- Dropping Happ from the rotation would be insane. Moyer should be designated for assignment. Bring him back when the rosters expand.— paolibulldog
- I don't think any of the pro-Moyer people will come out of the woodwork after this Happ start. They have no argument now. Happ is clearly the better pitcher at this point in the season. If the Phils want to finish the season strong and want to put the best product on the field, then the starting rotation should not include Moyer. I think Pedro is ready and I think he takes Moyer's spot. It will be a tough decision to make based on Moyer's performance for us last season, coupled with the fact that he is genuinely a great guy and still under contract for us next year, but it is the right move at this point. I see let him start against Florida and then either move him to the bullpen or outright him, because he is the 6th best starter in a 5 man rotation.— robm0202
- I can't help but think that Happ get F'd up for a few years Ryan Madson style if they jerk him from the rotation and attempt to put him in the bullpen again. Please do the right thing and take Moyer out of the rotation Phillies!!!!!!!!!!— KidCole35
- I can't help but think that Happ get F'd up for a few years Ryan Madson style if they jerk him from the rotation and attempt to put him in the bullpen again. Please do the right thing and take Moyer out of the rotation Phillies!!!!!!!!!!— KidCole35
- Trading this guy clearly would've been a mistake. Thank heavens the Blue Jays are idiots.— fmMD
- Happ's ERA is under 3...Moyer's ERA is about double...Makes absolutely no sense for this stud to be sent to the bullpen...he has been our best starter this year...pedro or moyer..really.— johnhenry
- Happ can't go...it has to be Jamie. Sorry Jamie...I love you and thank you for your service...but it's time to hang them up... One more start and do the honorable thing...fake an injury. HK/JJ RIP
Comment removed.- With all respect due to Moyer, providing Pedro is ready, is the 6th best starter. Wow, what a emotional, personal situation to handle.— phigglesfan75
- Hey David Murphy, If you check your blog from time-to-time, and I would imagine you do, you know by now where most of your readers stand on this subject - - - Most, if not all, want to see Happ remain in the rotation - - - I, for one, believe Happ in the rotation is a no-brainer at this point - - - Which means either Pedro or Moyer go to the pen, and I don't think the Phillies signed Martinez to pitch in relief - - - John Kruk said on Baseball Tonight that he would cancel his season tickets if Happ was taken out of the rotation - - - As one of the team's beat writers, and I think I can speak for the majority, the only one whose opinion we care about, what would you do?— PhightinPhil
