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?
Comments (49)
Can anyone in the lineup fill the closer role if Lidge remains shaky. We could have solid starters, a lead-leading defense and one of the most exciting offenses in the league but we will get killed in the post season if our reliever and closer is slumping....— eagsphilsflyers- Why would you send Lopez to the bullpen before Happ? He's got a better ERA and winning percentage and he's won 15 games in the majors twice before, 14 another year.— Steve5877
- Hamels, Moyer, Blanton, Lee, Happ. That's it. Keep Lee and Hamels separated. Pedro has relief clauses in his contract for a reason. Moyer makes too much money and frankly, when was his last relief appearance? Put Lopez on waivers and when he is claimed, pull him back and make a trade with whatever team claims him for an infielder to take Bruntlett's spot. If the unthinkable injury happens, Pedro comes out of the pen and into the rotation. This is the best set of problems the Phillies have ever had.— Scorekeeper
- Martinez to the bullpen— bucksphilly
- I still want Halladay. Trade Happ, Taylor,and Lopez to the Blue Jays for him. Problem solved— Dr. Michael
- Andy just saw you on pregame, I agree with Mitch on the hat, did you lose a bet on the Phillies getting Cliff Lee?
- What are you smoking to think you can get Halladay for Happ, Taylor, and Lopez?— silverfade80
Comment removed.- Amaro has got hinself (Phils)with starting pitchers. Lee,Hamels,Blanton,Happ,moyer,Pedro. One extra starter and One short relief pitcher. Need 1 more Trade.— tulsaphil
- Skipintro . . . I love that comment, that's how I feel. We haven't even talked about the best line-up in the majors, adding a new, formidable, right-handed bat!!— TU Owls
- Time to pull the plug on the Jaime Moyer fright night show every fifth game. Now, really, I have more confidence in Rodrigo Lopez and JA Happ. It would be a crime if Moyer stays in the rotation because of his salary, etc. His ERA is 6. Now come on, Jaime feasts on the unpolished lineups in the NL, such as San Diego, Florida, and Arizona. But the Phils will be forfeiting the game if he is in the postseason rotation. My suggestion for a rotation is Hamels, Lee, Blanton, Happ, Lopez/Martinez.....Thanks for the memories, Jaime. You should have retired on top in October.— arrowamy
- Time to pull the plug on the Jaime Moyer fright night show every fifth game. Now, really, I have more confidence in Rodrigo Lopez and JA Happ. It would be a crime if Moyer stays in the rotation because of his salary, etc. His ERA is 6. Now come on, Jaime feasts on the unpolished lineups in the NL, such as San Diego, Florida, and Arizona. But the Phils will be forfeiting the game if he is in the postseason rotation. My suggestion for a rotation is Hamels, Lee, Blanton, Happ, Lopez/Martinez.....Thanks for the memories, Jaime. You should have retired on top in October.— arrowamy
- Happ does not need to be trade for a righty. Happ is needed for next year to keep payroll down, so the Phils can fill other needs. Happ has ptential and should not be moved. That being said if Pedro shows an 88 to 91 mile an hour fastball, he will be very effective. Moyer, like he said in June that he would not hurt the team, either has to be DL'd with arm fatigue or retire. Since we know he will not give up the 4 mill he is still due this year or the 8 mill he is due next year, be a man and go on the DL so we can put the best pitching staff out there!
- Jays say Halladay talks are "dead". Jays know that anything they get for Halladay now will be less than what the Phillies gave up for Lee. Boy did J.P. botch that on.— TU Owls
- Comment removed.
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The Phillies Zone is the place for up-to-the-minute Phillies coverage from the Inquirer.
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