Manuel says Happ could go to bullpen
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Manuel says Happ could go to bullpen
Andy Martino
The most interesting event tonight came in Charlie Manuel's office after the game, when he went further than ever about the idea of shifting J.A. Happ to a key bullpen role.
“I like Happ as a starter, always have,” Manuel said. “But at the same time, also seeing the way out pitching looks, there would be a chance that he could wind up in the back end of our bullpen if things…if we don’t get some things straightened out, and if Romero don’t come back. I’m not saying we’re going to do that, but we’re going to talk about it if we don’t have no lefty.”
Asked if he could see Happ as a closer, Manuel said: “Yeah, probably,” though he implied he would be more likely to use Happ in a role like Romero’s last year, assigned to retire both lefties and righties in the late innings.
What does Happ think? His strong preference is to be a starter, and tonight he did not want to think about the issue after an encouraging win. “It’s too early for me to think about (going to the bullpen)," he said. "I’m really just trying to get back into the routine of doing my job.”
If temporarily reassigned, this would be much different than other threats to Happ's job security this year. Manuel, desperate to avoid a season spoiled by the bullpen, spoke glowingly of Happ and would trust him in big spots in the playoffs.
What do you think? Is he too effective as a starter, or would he be most helpful this year in the bullpen?
interesting idea, but what would that do to the starting rotation? Where does Moyer fit in that scenario?— eicholson- Baseball Prospectus just crunched some numbers showing Phils have best run-support adjusted four-man starting rotation in all of baseball with Happ but a bit less so with Pedro (one of three teams that are behind the Cardinals) Of course Pedro hasn't really had the chance to put up a body of work. And the stats don't think about whether or not it would be good to have three of your playoff starters be lefties (though against certain teams, it might be).— jason14
- Assuming Pedro is healthy, you got to think they really need Happ more in the Pen than as a starter. Alot can happen by the time you get to game four...Happ can really help in those first few games giving us a lefty to come in. if you think about it that way I think its a no brainer. i would hate to think we lose game 1 or game 2 because we dont have an effective lefty in the late innings to come in. I also think you go with one out saves for Lidge if he is even on the roster. if not, you roll the dice with Madson and hope for the best. Hopefully, Cliff Lee can be the starter, set up man, and closer in his game like hes done before. Then there is not even an issue!— MTust24
- I love Charlie to death, but his grammar is awful.— IgglesFan79
- Love to have him as a starter...but absolutely NEED him in the pen. They can't get anybody out right now.
- I LOVE the idea because then the playoff rotation would come together as Lee, Hamels, Blanton and Martinez with Moyer & Happ from the left side in the pen. But if Happ closes or pitches at key points late in the game, Manuel better start getting Happ more exposure in that role NOW instead of waiting until the playoffs to see how he responds.— makrom
- Logic says Lidge does not make the Post Season roster. Some will say "he is the closer." Is he? He has had 30(out of 63 games) very poor performances this year. You can not risk the play offs with his 50% inconstancy. You have to use the best players. If I recall correctly Adam Eaton did not make it because of his deplorable season. Reason over feelings! ( I hope Brad can work something out. He has had 63 games to get it right.)
- Logic says Lidge does not make the Post Season roster. Some will say "he is the closer." Is he? He has had 30(out of 63 games) very poor performances this year. You can not risk the play offs with his 50% inconstancy. You have to use the best players. If I recall correctly Adam Eaton did not make it because of his deplorable season. Reason over feelings! ( I hope Brad can work something out. He has had 63 games to get it right.)
- Hopefully the Lidge experiment is over and Phils realize it's crunch time and they need more consistency in the back of the pen. Since the Division series is best of 5, the don't need Happ and will use Hamels, Blanton and Lee. Let Happ close and see how he does. Assuming they move on to the NLCS,they have time to make furthur decisions. Hopefully by then Happ will realize his worth to the team and will relent. Martinez should take Moyers role from last year. I will be surpised if Moyer makes the roster but knowing Charlie he will probably reward him with a spot.— carlton
- Charlie's great. Whatever it takes to win. The only reason he has stayed with Lidge so long is that he has no viable alternative -- other than using a starter -- and the Phils haven't been pressed for the division lead. Fregosi stuck with Mitch Williams much, much too long in the playoffs in 1993 and it cost the Phils a title. Charlie won't do the same.— iceman
- Cholly, Dubee, Lidge need to meet to go over the mumbers. Should be a brief mtg, followed by Lidge being shut down until late Feb.— mick314
- Happ has been a good soldier, willing to do whatever the Phils want. He's a solid starter with a great future, but these are desperate times in the bullpen. Try him there now, Chollie, not after the playoffs begin.
- Lidge blowing that save in FL and pitching with no confidence was exactly what we needed. Now there are no questions about whether or not he'll be the closer and we can move on. He's done and didn't have to watch him blow a playoff game.— dpell
- Until the post season, Charlie really had nothing to lose by giving Lidge every chance to figure things out. The team is coasting to the Division title. Once there is something significant on the line (post season) Charlie won't take any chances. Lidge's knee will become a topic in a week, then the 60 day DL. Use Happ as the closer from here forward (after he recovers from this last start) so he have develop a routine as much as possible.— Joe in Haddonfield
- Wow...Charlie "Rip Van Winkle" Manuel is developing a strategy to FINALLY address the dire closer situation...it's about time! He must have read some of my posts, as well posts by other concerned fans, giving exactly the Happ strategy over the last month. You know, the best thing for the Phillies might be to put Charlie on the DL for the playoffs. Please don't tell me HE won a Championship last year. Fact is, the Phillies won DESPITE Charlie being the manager. This guy is a boob as a manager.— Tomme
