For Myers, it was all about the heel
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For Myers, it was all about the heel
Andy Martino
Brett Myers moved his left heel a few inches, and ended up on the World Series roster.
The veteran righthander, who pitched one ineffective inning in the division series and was excluded from the National League Championship Series roster, was added to the team once again. He replaced utilityman Miguel Cairo.
Pitching coach Rich Dubee said that the team needed an extra pitcher because of the lack of off-days during the World Series, and that Myers looked much improved while throwing two simulated games and two bullpen sessions during the NLCS.
“His fastball is a lot sharper,” Dubee said. “His breaking ball is better than it was before. His fastball command has improved.”
Myers said that he noticed a mechanical problem while warming up in the bullpen to pitch Game 2 of the division series, but did not have time to correct it.
“My heel was pointing too much toward the plate, so I was flying open when I released the ball,” he said.
Having corrected that issue in his side work during the NLCS, Myers feels ready to pitch, The upper back strain that sidelined him in September has healed, he said.
“It’s definitely better," Myers said.
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Don't forget, for more detailed news from the other side, go over to Mark Feinsand's Yankees blog at the New York Daily News.
If we're counting on Brett Myers or Miguel Cairo to be valuable contributors over the next week to 10 days, we've got problems.— PhightinPhil- Gotta figure one game we will need him to pitch multiple innings and with the DH do not need extra bench guy— davi
- You can't come out and say that Rays were pushovers last year. Where were the Yankees then? Oh that's right, the Yanks DID NOT EVEN MAKE THE PLAYOFFS. Keep those intelliegent thoughts coming.— bjlindy
- @PhightinPhil - my thoughts exactly. If there is a point in this series, or at any other point in the future, that we are wishing we had Cairo, then things are not going well anyway.— Gary Varsho
- let's see if this real tough guy is ready to beat on some yanks, instead of his wife and some grandpa writer.— kimura
- DREW777...LMFAO....— coryreedmiller
- Meyers is in for his bat, He'll make Sabathia throw 12 pitches every at bat! Phils sweep!— PhilsWSchamps
- If the games comes down to the bench players, then we've already lost. These games will be won or lost by the starters and the pitchers. Brunlett was kept over Cairo because Bruntlett can play the OF and Cairo can't. So if we have to burn Francisco and Stairs as pinch-hitters, then Charlie would rather have Bruntlett available to throw in the OF, if needed, rather than Cairo who hasn't played the OF much. This happened in Colorado where Cairo had to play LF. Cairo didn't do much in the first 2 series so it was a matter of keeping the guy who can play more positions on defense since we need pinch-hitters less with the DH games on the road in the World Series.— JimG
Laugh all you want, but a pitcher who can hit (somewhat) is an advantage in a World Series, especially against an AL team. Then again, Sabathia has homered off of Park.- If the Rays were pushovers last year, that doesn't say much for the Yankees - the missed the playoffs altogether. The Yankees have had a good season - now they play the World Champions. We will see whether they have what it takes. One thing we know: The Phillies DO have what it takes and they already proven it. The Yankess? TBD.— Almersk
- Why Bruntlett? Why?— DS17
Comment removed.- Comment removed.
- bruntlett career OBP vs lefties: .352 feliz: .307
- I love it. The Phillies are getting no respect. The Yanks are 2 to 1 favorites. A good chance to make some money. When we cut through the Yankees, maybe people will give us our props. The Yanks beat up on a weak Twins team and an Angels team that wilted under the bright lights. The Yanks have not played a "team" with the heart or will of the Fightins. Sabbathia does not want to face this lineup, let alone Burnett.
