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?
Pat Moyer on the back, use him as a spot starter, make him the pitching coach after the season. He's done in my opinion. Use him against the Marlins, as needed.— boasocal- Need suggestions from the "Trade Moyer Faithful" regarding fair market value. How about an old Wheels rug, a used PHILLY10 shout, a copy of the latest Billy1 diet book or the rights to Marvin Freeman ?— mick314
Comment removed.- I agree with Joe$. Pedro had his first decent minor league start last night and went 6 innings, which is no better than Moyer usually does. I think you ease Pedro back into the majors from the bullpen and let Moyer/Happ in the starting rotation for now. If Moyer continues to struggle, then you move Pedro to the rotation after he had a few middle relief assignments. Sadly either way I think Moyer will eventually be the odd man out...— JoshinPA
- Based on performance Hamels would be headed for the 'pen. His stats are comparable to JM's, but he wins more this year. Won't happen, of course. Martinez is the best option. Unlike JM, he could throw hard for an inning or 2, and gives the Phils a bk/up starter in case of injury. Martinez K'd 12 last night, but in -AA-. He also gave up a HR & 3 R - while Happ was shutting out the MLB Rockies. And FYI - the 2nd best starter in MLB for July was Joe Blanton.— PhillyExpat
- Pedro's a Met. Put him on waivers. He was a good idea before we got Lee and before Myers looks like he can pitch out of the pen now.— greenflyer
- PhitinPhil - There are too many unknown variables to say exactly what I would do. In a perfect world, Pedro Martinez would be in the bullpen and Moyer would be a starter, at least until the injured relievers return. It isn't like Moyer is good for four innings, then tires out. Often times, his big inning comes in the second or third, then he settles down. I can say this for sure: Happ needs to be in the rotation.
- I respect Moyer's career and who he is but even Nolan Ryan had to give it up at 46. I mean, c'mon 46 year olds don't belong in the big leagues. The Phillies were stupid for signing him to a two year deal and they should be prepared for the wheels to fall off with him. If you hang around too long you are going to be humbled. The Dodgers didn't keep running Greg Maddux out there last year because he was Greg Maddux and the Phillies should do the same with Moyer. If Moyer doesn't like it, he can quit like the rest of his peers.— jtj06
- remove moyer from the rotation please.— z03mbm
Moyer is only good for 5 or 6 innings these days, if that. Have Pedro come in for Moyer and see how that goes. Either or both could pitch their way out of consideration. Both deserve a chance to contribute.- Happ will stay in the rotation. If Moyer pitches OK in his next start, so will he and Martinez will go to the pen. If Moyer blows up, Martinez will take his spot.— Neal Obstat
- We all feel the same about J. Moyer, he's loved/admired for his great career. But the game is heartless and if you've ever played or coached on any level, you know that the only standard that matters is THE BEST PLAYERS PLAY FIRST and everybody waits their turn. J. Moyer oughta walk in to Cholly and say, 'hey, I know and you know, put me in the pen or let me alternate w/ Martinez. The kid has earned the job and he's better'. Many great one's did the same one at the end of their career, e.g., Robin Roberts (286 W's)and others. And I love J. Moyer!!!!!!!!!— stoneman
- Reality Speaks, Halladay was absolutly dominant in his last game until late in the game when he gave up 3 homers to the Yankees. You have to consider a few things, one he has no offense to support him up there, two he was pitching to the Yankees they are like the Phillies in the American league, three he carries that entire team, anyone with that much pressure each and every night is going to slip once or twice. He pitched a complete game that last game. If he had the Phils offense supporting him and if he was in this rotation, he wouldn't have the pressure on him every night out he pitches. Which would only make him that much more effective and dominant. But in saying that the price was too high for him and Ruben gets an A+++ from me for the job he has done as GM.— engineeringagr8tdrive
- Do any of us know that Pedro can pitch better then Moyer? He has to prove it up here before everyone start sending Moyer to the glue farm. Because he had a good outing at Reading doesn't mean he can do it here. I would take a wait and see attitude about Pedro but Happ should not be removed from the rotation.— pattymac3
- Where's the idiot poster who yesterday said that Happ would lose last night's game?— jman
