It's only the second week of spring, but. . .
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It's only the second week of spring, but. . .
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
. . .here's a little stat for you.
Heading into Roy Halladay's start against the Braves tonight, the six starters who are likely to have a spot in the Phillies' rotation this season have combined to allow just four runs in 18.1 innings this spring. They have struck out 15, walked four, and allowed just 14 hits.
If this were the regular season, the Phillies would have one nasty rotation on their hands.
Of course, it isn't the regular season. Three of the aforementioned innings were logged by Jamie Moyer in a B-Game. Two of them were logged by J.A. Happ against Florida State University. Halladay has yet to make even his second start. Nor have Hamels or Blanton.
But one thing is clear: the competition for the final spot in the rotation between Kyle Kendrick and Jamie Moyer is going to be very interesting. Paul Hagen has a good take on it today in the Daily News. Given the amount of respect the organization has for Moyer, the amount of money they will be paying him, and the amount of hard work he has poured into his recovery from offseason surgery, it will take a herculean effort for Kendrick to enter the season as a member of the rotation. Listening to him talk after his three-scoreless-inning performance against the Yankees yesterday and even he seemed to realize that.
Here's your likely scenario: J.C. Romero isn't ready for Opening Day, opening at least one more spot in the bullpen to go with the spot that will likely be inhabited by young lefty Antonio Bastardo. Kendrick gets that spot as a long reliever, much like J.A. Happ did last season. Moyer opens the season as the No. 5 starter, and the evaluation process continues from there.
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Another night game tonight, this time in Orlando, where the Phils will take on the Braves. Shane Victorino is in the line-up for the first time this spring, thanks to a bout of shoulder soreness that he apparently has overcome.
This is precisely the problem: respect, money, and the amount of hard work Moyer has done should have absolutely no impact on the starting rotation. The only reason Moyer should be allowed anywhere near a mound is because he will perform better than kendrick, and the last season and a half tells us a rational observer that is not likely.— PhillyGuyInDC- Why does everybody like to bring up the $8 million Moyer is making this year as a factor in his ability to be the 5th starter? The money is a sunk cost. It costs the Phillies no more [or less] money to start either Kendrick or Moyer, so it shouldn't ever be a factor. If both give the Phillies league average innings, but Kendrick can give them more of those innings, then he's more valuable as the #5 starter.— FreeToChoose
- The Phils DO NEED A 5th starter at the start of the season. Halladay will start of the 5th(Opening Day). Hamels on the 7th after no game on the 6th. Hamels then cannot go again until the 12th, with 4 games in between. 5th-Roy, 7th-Hamels, 8th-Blanton, 9th-Happ, 10th-Halladay (4 days rest)or 5th starter, 11th- Halladay (now on 5 days rest) or 5th starter, 12th- Hamels.— Ben Lee
Jamie Moyer--please retire. The Phillies will give you the money I'm sure. Last year it wasn't fair to JA Happ and this year it looks like Kyle Kendrick gets screwed. Be a true team player and retire. Please.- Book it: Blanton gets lit up this year and we don't need a No. 5 starter, we need a No. 3 (which Blanton only marginally has been, for a top team). Hopefully, Happ can do that, Kendrick moves to 4 and Moyer moves to 5, with Bastardo and Contreras (please pitch better, Jose) able to move in.— eman
- The Phillies have a wealth of pitching talent? How did that happen? I like the idea of having Jamie Moyer penned in for half a start. He is crafty but he only has so much gas in his tank. He pitched well during the second half of last year because he had more time to rest in the rocking chair before he was needed. Kendrick as long reliever would get plenty of work but he still ours even if he starts out in AAA— charladan
- I know starters like a regular rotation but you would think having both Moyer and Kendrick might be good thing. Start the one that makes the most sense. If its Florida, Washington, Arizona or another team that Moyer pitches well use him. Use Kendrick in other situations that make sense for him.— Tiller
- It might not even be a bad idea to use a 6th starter once in a while during the season and give the top 4 guys an extra day off once in a while.— Tiller
