Happ will start Saturday
Just a bit of news first: Charlie Manuel announced after the game that J.A. Happ will start one of the two games Saturday. Before the game, Ruben Amaro Jr. told me that the decision might not come for several days, but when Happ pitched just 2/3 inning tonight rather than hang around for mopup, the Phils tipped their hand. Of course, they could change that plan if Happ is needed for more innings tomorrow or Friday. *** You may be freakin about Jamie Moyer, but the man himself and his manager say they are not. “I don’t see how he can get right sitting,” said Charlie Manuel, when asked if he planned to keep running Moyer out there. Moyer was obviously downcast after the game, but said he would continue to look ahead and try to make improvements. My analysis is that it isn’t time to do anything drastic with him. He has a two-year contract, couldn’t pitch in the bullpen (and if you believe he can, Rich Dubee doesn’t; so that’s probably that unless the pitching coach is overruled), and could still work this out. It’s always easy to get alarmed and pessimistic in the moment, after your team or the team you root for has a rough night. Having said that, neither I, you, Moyer or anyone else knows if or when he’ll improve. He possesses the competitive arrogance necessary for professional athletes, and said tonight, “If I start to doubt, then it is time for me to go home. I don’t really worry about what’s behind me.” Reading between the lines: I still think I can pitch; I’ll let you know when that changes. And that’s all I can really say. If the grizzled pitcher and the grizzlier manager don’t know what’s going on, I sure as heck don’t.
Happ will start Saturday
Andy Martino
Just a bit of news first: Charlie Manuel announced after the game that J.A. Happ will start one of the two games Saturday. Before the game, Ruben Amaro Jr. told me that the decision might not come for several days, but when Happ pitched just 2/3 inning tonight rather than hang around for mopup, the Phils tipped their hand. Of course, they could change that plan if Happ is needed for more innings tomorrow or Friday.
well put Andy.. and good use of "grizzled" in the update.— PhiladelphiaWings- Unfortunately, Moyer is looking more and more like Steve Carlton circa 1986. I wonder how many starts they give him to get straightened out. On the other hand, Moyer is just the worst of a starting staff in which 4 starters have ERA's over 6. Can anyone say "grace period"?— Statman
- How long are the Phillies suppose to keep putting Moyer out on the mound? I know whats going on! Look at last years playoff outings. He got shelled in 2 of those games. It was the beginning of the end. I predicted he would be out of the starting rotation by the end of May. MOYER IS 400 years old!!! What is their to work out? It took 2 years but the National League has figured this guy out. Be really patient at the plate and work him deep into counts so he is forced to throw it over the plate. The Brewers exposed him last year. How they signed him for 2 years is beyond me. Lowe was the guy to get. Instead we will be middling around .500 all year thanks to this staff.— Theo1980
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I've seen too much to never say never, but it looks more and more like Moyer should call it a career. I mean, Cholly is gonna give him every opportunity to get things right, but I just don't see it happening. With that being said, I'll for sure appreciate what he has done for the organization & for the fans...- Comment removed.
- Consider this: if Happ is effective on Sat and Jamie is not in Cincy, the "grizzled southpaw" should consider packing it in and joining the staff of the Souderton Grizzlies of the MontCo Beer League. Since he is a native, no need to "draft' him. Thanks Jamie and good luck JA.— mick314
- I am still in awe that they gave him a 2 year deal. Jamie has been great and saved us several times, but MLB has figured him out for good.— gulls3012
- good comment, Mick. You're a funny guy. Witty,too. Seriously.— CenterCityPhan
- Glad Happ is getting a chance to start. Must give Moyer the benefit of the doubt for a couple of more starts. However if he continues to flounder it might be time to call it a day. I think a pitching coach either with the Phils or farm team would be a nice next step.— KarenA
- Tks CCP, I owe you a tall brew.— mick314
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- Signing Moyer to a two year contract was a major blunder to an otherwise stellar offseason for Amaro. Didn't he watch Moyer during the playoffs last year? What is he going to do next year with Jaime when some of our young guns are ready to crack the rotation? Are we going to have a rotation of maybe two young and inexperience pitchers like Kendrick Happ and/or Carrasco, assuming we don't resign Myers and Park, with an even older and ineffective Moyer?— EL Zorro
- EZ.......Yeah, two years was definitely a mistake. Even if he gets it together and pitches well for the remainder of this season the Phils should buy out the second year of the contract. Even if the end isn't now, it can't be too far off. We can't take another chance with him next year. If he doesn't turn it around this year I hope he realizes how much he's hurting the team and/or that he is at the end of the line and accepts a buyout now.— bski
- I'd like to think that if Moyer truly believed he was at the end of his career he would retire and/or accept a buyout. He seems like such a stand-up player that he wouldn't want to hurt the team.— KarenA
