Happ gone but not forgotten
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Happ gone but not forgotten
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
As J.A. Happ packed up his bags at his locker this morning, a steady stream of well-wishers swung by to shake his hand. All of them carried the same essential message: good luck, and hopefully we'll see you sooner rather than later.
Happ has been optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, but there is still a chance the Phillies have not seen the last of him. Charlie Manuel explained that Happ's turn in the rotation likely would not come until July 22nd or 23rd against the Mets. So rather than keep Happ sitting around eating up a roster spot - and perhaps growing stagnant - they decided to send him pack down to continue his normal routine.
Manuel said Brett Myers will likely need one more start after the break in the minor leagues, which would seem to indicate another start for Happ in the big leagues.
"Once we get through and see where Myers is at over the break and we get to see exactly what we want to do with our pitching, we'll iron everything out," Manuel said. "We're very impressed with him and we like everything we saw."
Happ allowed two runs on five hits in 6 1/3 innings last night against the Cardinals.
To take his roster spot, the Phillies promoted Lehigh Valley infielder Mike Cervenak, who is hitting .310 with seven home runs and 52 RBI at Triple A this season. Cervenak gives the Phillies another right-handed bat off the bench.
the move clearly wasn't a demotion; happ will be back sooner rather than later. he was certainly impressive last night, working hitters inside. best case scenario is myers works out the kinks and him and happ round out the rotation with eaton moving to long relief— bl303784- I agree, bl. I think they're "pulling a Kendrick" with Happ, and I "HAPPen" to think it will work!— maximusud
- Sorry to get off the subject, but how come I can't vote for the National league leading home run hitter, who is second in the leage in RBIs, for the All Star Team - It would be nice to see Utle and Howard in the Home Run Contest !— mallonmp
- I would rather see Happ starting than Eaton. At leatHapp gives you a chance to win.— delennis
- I agree with you delennis, but I guess it's tough to sit the big paycheck!— notsofast
- This is good for an out of towner in Virginia to be able to access current Phila sports .— fpj10
- I saw Happ a few years ago in reading, and wasn't impressed. I saw him against the Cardinals , and said, "WOW !" I think he's a keeper. I wouldn't be surprised to see him in a regular starters role in the near future. In any case...DUMP BEATEN EATON !— phineas
- I have a hunch Gillick will move Myers in a few days. Happ will be back and the self proclaimed 'rock star' will be 'outta here.'— mick314
- I saw Pat Gillick at the Reading Phillies Game last night with another Phillies guy.— MICK17901
- I don't think they can do anything with Myers at this point--no one will pay Myers his salary for anything but a starter or closer--he gets 12 M next year--they would have to eat a bunch of salary which I hope they don't do--Myers has an arm but his head is missing at times--he has no value now--better to work with him and try to get him straight so he has some value--then relook at him--he wants to close but be realistic--say at the end of the year, if you are a GM--you need a closer--do you go for Myers and his 12M or look elsewhere--I look elsewhere because Myers was not that dominant when he closed last year— kokomo
