Happ named Sporting News N.L. Rookie of the Year, Pedro still in line for Game 6
Phillies pitcher J.A. Happ was named Sporting News National League Rookie of the Year today. The lefthander, went 12-4 with a 2.93 ERA in 35 games in the regular season, striking out 119 in 166 innings, with two shutouts. Sporting News' 2009 rookies of the year was selected by a panel of 338 major league players. Chicago White Sox third baseman Gordham Beckham won in the American League.
Happ named Sporting News N.L. Rookie of the Year, Pedro still in line for Game 6
Andy Martino
J.A. Happ not begin the season with the intention of collecting individual awards, but he was deeply honored by one announced today.
“It feels really good to have guys that you play against vote for you,’” Happ said after winning the Sporting News National League Rookie of the Year. The award was determined by a panel of 338 major league players. Chicago White Sox third baseman Gordan Beckham won in the American League.
“It’s kind of the ultimate validation, really,” he said.
Happ remains a candidate for the actual rookie of the year award, given next month. The lefthander, went 12-4 with a 2.93 ERA in 35 games in the regular season, striking out 119 in 166 innings, with two shutouts.
“J.A. wasn't the typical pitching prospect because he didn't necessarily put the numbers up on the radar gun," Orioles scout Bob Szymkowski, who signed Happ with the Phillies in 2004, told Sporting News. "Most times, he threw 86 to 88. But Jay had very good mound composure and competed very well. His best qualities were a very deceptive delivery in terms of his arm slot and the ability to mix all of his pitches and locate them on the perimeter of the strike zone. While he didn't have a power approach, he still had a great feel for pitching."
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We reported the other day that the Phils plan to use Pedro Martinez in a potential Game 6, and the righthander remained on track for that by throwing a bullpen session today.
Cliff Lee would also be on full rest Friday, but the team’s plan---which, of course, is always subject to change--is to use Martinez.
Good for Happ now is he a better choice for Sat. if the Phils need him? Also, one wonders if Drabek gets into the rotation next year? Love to see some Bench changes and some relief relief but this award also shows that baseball think this team is pretty darn good with people filling slots to win.— KGKoons- What about Ben Francisco? He certainly strengthened the bench. Amaro deserves GM of the year just for making the Lee trade.— rbbloom
- Great news, what a wise decision by Amaro to pass on Halladay, get Lee and keep Happ!— mrsmax
- Very well deserved. JA exceeded all expectations and should be on the start to a very successful career.— benjyedwards
- JA Happ is a proven starter. End of story. Good timing too, as Moyer appears through. I agree with most of these posts but we need a solution at third base and possibly a closer alternative. Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing a two-year deal to Billy Wagner in the off-season. He can close and he's a lefty, always handy in the bullpen. Some say he's poison but on this team, I simply don't think so. Let's win one more and see what the Yankees bring!— eman
- Congratulations JA!! Great work!!— downtheshore
- Where are all the imbeciles who wanted to trade for Roy Halladay?— p-diddy
- Where are all the imbeciles who wanted to trade for Roy Halladay?— p-diddy
- Where are all the imbeciles who wanted to trade for Roy Halladay?— p-diddy
- Where are all the imbeciles who wanted to trade for Roy Halladay?— p-diddy
- If it's true Martinez would start game 6 it's because Charlie wants him ready to open up world series, makes sense. Amaro has to get consideration for G.M. honor. Umpires blew calls again tonight, homeplate umpire was pathetic monday, it affected outcome of game. Congrats to Happ much deserved.— Don w
- Congratulations to J.A. And yes, Amaro should be GM of the year by a landslide. Since he took over, he signed all his arbitration-eligible players smoothly, got Ibañez and made the steal of the year in getting Lee and Francisco for a few suspects. And Jman, the Phillies have a nice problem with too many choices for the rotation next year and for the immediate future, it seems, if you count Drabek and the other good arms in the minors. There is also Pedro and don't count Moyer just yet, because he is under contract. I have a feeling that Blanton could be a trade bait to get relief or bench help to open a spot for Happ, Drabek or Kendrick. He got a salary increase of 1.45 mil last year (5.45 mil) after going 9-12 with a 4.69 ERA, although he went 4-0 with the Phillies with a 4.20 ERA. This year he had a nice season, going 12-8 with a 4.06, and before the Phillies got Lee, he was arguably the most consistent pitcher the second half of the season, which means he’s going to get 8 mil or more in arbitration. He’ll be a FA in 2011. The Phillies also have to pay Victorino and Ruiz, who I believe is arbitration eligible. Moyer is still under contract at around 8 mil, and although the salaries of Thome, Jenkins and Eaton are coming off the books, that will be upset by some increases of some players under contract. That’s not good for Blanton and considering he was put in the pen for most of the playoffs, he could be on his way out. There is also Myers, who could be signed to an incentive-laden-one-year contract. He could swing from the pen to the starting rotation in case someone doesn’t pan out.— EL Zorro
- Lee will start game 1 of the WS, assuming we don't go to game 7.— EL Zorro
- El Zorro, Good analysis, but I don't think Blanton's going anywhere. He's the only right-hander among the top 4 starters. You can't rely on Martinez for anything long-term, and Kendrick is still a #5 guy. Between Thome & Eaton's salaries expiring, and the 50+ sellouts this season, Amaro should be able to find the money to pay Blanton.— jman
- [MMillercold421 Griffey Jr. as a Stairs replacement in 2010 so the old man can get a ring!] How about someone who's under 35, and can still run?— jman
