Happ and Taschner likely to win bullpen jobs
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Happ and Taschner likely to win bullpen jobs
Andy Martino
J.A. Happ is scheduled to pitch in relief today against the Yankees in Tampa (Kyle Drabek earned the start because the team was impressed by his effort this spring). Now that Happ will not be the fifth starter, Ruben Amaro Jr. said yesterday that the 26-year-old lefty will compete with LHP Jack Taschner and RHP Gary Majewski and Bobby Mosebach for two bullpen jobs.
This morning, an official from another team who is familiar with the Phillies' plan told the Inquirer that, barring any unforeseen developments, the team will likely open the season with Happ in the big-league bullpen. The same source said that the Phils would award the other relief job to Taschner. That would send Majewski to Triple-A and result in Rule 5 draft choice Bobby Mosebach being offered back to the Angels, per major league rules.
Last night, Rich Dubee did not commit to this, but spoke of Happ being able to pitch both long relief and the sixth and seventh innings, perhaps spelling Chad Durbin when Durbin needs a rest.
It should be noted, of course, that although this was the Phillies' thinking as of this morning, plans can always change.
Happ to BP doesn't make sense if they keep Taschner - Majewski is the better option in the pen with Happ in LV starting so he stays stretched out in case the Phillies need starter.— bird11- Happ to BP doesn't make sense if they keep Taschner - Majewski is the better option in the pen with Happ in LV starting so he stays stretched out in case the Phillies need starter.— bird11
- Happ to BP doesn't make sense if they keep Taschner - Majewski is the better option in the pen with Happ in LV starting so he stays stretched out in case the Phillies need starter.— bird11
happ to the bullpen makes plenty of sense, even with taschner. taschner is a lefty specialist while happ can get both righties and lefties out. so we have two lefty specialists (eyre, taschner) and happ taking the multiple-innings role that many thought park would get. if the phils find happ not getting enough work, they'll send him down to start for LHV. no big deal. there's no harm in carrying three lefties in the pen.— johnfire- I like Happ. Hope he sticks.— CenterCityPhan
- Chan Ho will be the only Philly I boo. Happ should have gotten the job.— KevinRx
- Hang in there Happ. Moyer is 128 years old and will be a great reliever and coach by July.— ernestmwilliams
- Hmmm, great attitude from KevinRx. What a loser. Anyways, not sure what Taschner has done to earn the job, Majewski has been pitching great, and if you see what he's done over his career before his injury issues, his ceiling is vastly higher than Taschner's. Questionable on that one.— JPK512
- Kevinrx...why boo Park? Because he performed better than Happ? Isn't that what you want? Competition...Typical loser Philly fan...Negative, irrational and dumb.— majrladyr
- Absolutely right. Boo the guy who worked harder than anyone else and flat out earned his spot on the team. That is a performance that deserves booing. Sometimes I really hate this town...so many of us really are the worst fans in sports.— RollinsWasRight
- What are the odds KevinRx is an Eagles season ticket holder?— RollinsWasRight
- what are the odds that KevinRx is related to LONEWOLF? Two "great" minds...— mebphila
Comment removed.- KevinRx is booing the decision. Hes allowed to disagree with the decision. Unlike all of you, he realizes that one month vs minor leaguers is not an efficient way to decide your top 5 pitchers...
- bird11, I agree with you but you didn't have to post it three times to convince me. Thing is, Happ is really due. Majewski and Koplove could be back soon enough. Chan Ho Park deserved the nod, he'll win 10 games if he stays healthy. Many Korean fans will come to the games just because of Park. KevinRx, I hope you stay home on those days and boo at the TV instead. C'mon man, act like a champion.— xfactor
