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Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Happ to start tomorrow
J.A. Happ during the Phillies / Marlins game on Sept. 9. (Ron Cortes/Inquirer)

Phillies lefthander J.A. Happ will start tomorrow night against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field.

Happ hasn't started since Aug. 26 with triple-A Lehigh Valley and hasn't pitched in a game since Sept. 9, but the Phillies considered him a better option than righthander Kyle Kendrick. It sounds like Adam Eaton wasn't part of the discussions, which probably shouldn't be a surprise considering how he pitched earlier this season for the Phillies and in the minor leagues.

"Probably Kyle's struggles," pitching coach Rich Dubee said, when asked what pushed Happ to the top. "They really haven't seen Happ. He's lefthanded. We thought it was just a little better match up."

The Phillies also need a fifth starter next Monday against the Braves at Citizens Bank Park. Dubee said Monday's starter hasn't been decided, but I'm guessing if Happ pitches well he would start Monday. Happ said he is looking forward to the opportunity of pitching in a big game in a big part of the season.

"It's definitely exciting," Happ said. "I'm sure it's not their first choice. It just kind of happened because of the doubleheader. They needed somebody."

But they chose Happ because they feel he gives them the best chance to win.

We'll find out tomorrow night.

Posted by Todd Zolecki @ 4:38 PM  Permalink | 41 comments
41
Comments   
Posted 04:52 PM, 09/16/2008
zdog
thank goodness. if kendrick cant handle the heat, its time to get out of the rotation.
Posted 05:15 PM, 09/16/2008
bobby
While Happ is young and unproven, I like this option better than going with Kendrick, who is young and proven, as in "ineffective." His confidence is shattered right now. Hopefully, Happ can start fresh and keep the Phils close. I'd say he has a 4-run leash, and that's over 5-6 innings. Barring a complete meltdown, you have to stay with him til then and count on your offense to come through.
Posted 05:20 PM, 09/16/2008
jimmymack
We want Eaton, we want Eaton....Jerry Manual.
Posted 05:42 PM, 09/16/2008
jeff gross
so much for all our earlier guesses. I hope Happ is up to it, but I also hope they keep someone warm in teh Pen just in case.
Posted 05:55 PM, 09/16/2008
Frank Lloyd Wrong
Start printing those Happ Jerseys, if he performs.
Posted 06:12 PM, 09/16/2008
wcgiles
I don't know why they keep overlooking that kid at Reading with a great arm - Jm. J. Bullock.
Posted 06:16 PM, 09/16/2008
phillyfunk
Right now I'd take my 81 year old momma over Kendrick in the rotation! Keep Eaton and Kendrick in the bullpen for blow-out victories or losses. When the Phillies win the East, Charlie should keep a three man rotation of Myers, Moyer and Hamels for the playoffs in the first round against the Dodgers.
Posted 06:24 PM, 09/16/2008
tothehouse
can we forfeit the game tomorrow? it would save the bullpen. Seriously, what an indictment of our farm system when these are the choices for starting pitchers in the heat of a pennant race.
Posted 06:26 PM, 09/16/2008
bigeastbeast
The Braves haven't seen him.Maybe he can fool them Wednesday and Monday.
Posted 06:50 PM, 09/16/2008
Norma
Good point, bigeastbeast. But if he fools them tomorrow, he might not be able to fool them on Monday. I'm totally on-board with this. As long as there's lots of activity in the 'pen. Just in case!
Posted 07:02 PM, 09/16/2008
xfactor
Good luck to Happ. If he succeeds, he'll be in line for the #5 starter's job next season along with Kendrick and Carrasco. Only one of them should be in the rotation. Behind Cole, we need a real #2, followed by Myers, Moyer and Blanton. This leaves no room for Happ, Kendrick, or Carrasco. They could plug a hole if Moyer or Blanton go down, but no one on the staff is capable of being relied on as a Big three starter besides Hamels and Myers. And until the end of July, I would have said Myers is a #4, but he's come back a long way.
Posted 09:18 PM, 09/16/2008
Clinton, NJ
Happ pitched pretty good in a coupe starts, guess its enough to get the start. Im happy with it. And tothehouse, they are not going to bring up a guy to make his big league debut in a game like this. Happ may not be the best pitching prospect, but he has few games under his belt and did a pretty good job in all but one start. I think all will agree that he is a better option than Eaton and or Kendrick.
Posted 09:28 PM, 09/16/2008
Clinton, NJ
Why leave Moyer in so long?? Every game has to be micro managed from here on out. Lets see if they have another miracle come back in them....
Posted 09:46 PM, 09/16/2008
bski
Not exactly a ringing endorsement for Happ from Dubee, huh? It makes me think of that old joke about asking for a volunteer to step forward. Happ is getting the start because the two other possibilities have taken huge steps backwards, leaving him alone out front. I sure hope Happ pitches well tomorrow. If he doesn't, who do we go with next Monday? Kendrick has to be damaged goods for the rest of this season at least, making him a less than attractive option and Eaton will only get the nod if every other pitcher we have contracts malaria. I don't want to think about Monday yet, so I'll send Happ all the positive vibes I can muster tomorrow.
Posted 10:19 PM, 09/16/2008
bobby
Now THAT is what I'm talkin' about! Despite all the numbers this season, we have been watching Ryan Howard strikeout in the clutch over and over. Tonight, with 2 out, a man on, and down by a run, he turns in an outstanding at-bat, passing on the low outside sliders that have K'd him all year. Takes the count full and POW, Phils take the lead. Hard as it is to believe I could say this... Ryan Howard for MVP! Go Phils!
About Andy Martino
Andy Martino is in his first season on the Phillies beat. A former New York City public school teacher and graduate of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, he previously wrote for the New York Daily News, where he covered baseball and worked with the award-winning investigative sports "I-team."
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