Rotation decisions: Happ in, for now at least
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Rotation decisions: Happ in, for now at least
Andy Martino
The addition of Cliff Lee and impending arrival of Pedro Martinez (he makes his second rehabilitation start tomorrow in Lehigh Valley, and may need one more minor league appearance after that) creates a logjam in the rotation, of course. For at least one more start, J.A. Happ will remain one of the five.
Pitching coach Rich Dubee said that after Lee starts tomorrow, Joe Blanton will pitch Saturday and Cole Hamels Sunday. Following Monday’s off-day, Jamie Moyer will pitch Tuesday and Happ Wednesday. The team would not commit to a rotation beyond that point.
Rodrigo Lopez’s start tonight is likely his final one for the Phils, barring injury or a change in plans. The team could conceivably retain him as a reliever.
What do you think they should do?
Why is Moyer not pitching until Tuesday? Then he won't be available against the Marlins next weekend! If you're going to leave him in the rotation, at least make certain that he gets matched up against the team(s) that he dominates.— danielswolf- It's funny to read how Moyer should be the odd man out - he's the most successful pitcher we have, long-term and, even at 46, his pitching style (and speed on his fast ball), heart and will to win haven't changed in 23 years. He led the World Series Champs in regular season W's last season AND has the most W's now! Give me a break, please! If he's not 46, you morons don't even think twice. PK— PhillyTheKid
- Lopez in the bullpen. The reason being, we still have two months left of the season and anything can happen in regards to injuries on this staff. It's always good to have a back-up and I think Lopez would fill in well in the bullpen.— Mike Kotyk
This is such a no-brainer: You don't take ANYBODY out of the rotation who is being successful... unless you are replacing him with a guaranteed upgrade. That takes care of one guy, when you remove Lopez for Lee. (Lopez was a fill-in anyway.) After that, unless and until one of the Three Amigos (Blanton, Moyer, Happ) blows up, Pedro sits. He is an experiment, a roll of the dice, a pure last resort. Does he sit in the bullpen and find a role as a reliever? Possibly. (That Moyer/Martinez tag team sounded interesting...) But you do NOT, I repeat NOT yank anybody in the rotation for Pedro Martinez. At least not at this time. As you were.— bobby
