Savery looks toward 2012
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Savery looks toward 2012
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
ATLANTA — Joe Savery will not pitch in the postseason for the Phillies, at least barring an injury. Ruben Amaro Jr. met with the lefthander before Monday's game and told Savery his next stop is Clearwater, Fla., to stay fresh at Instructional League just in case of an October emergency.
So Savery knows what's at stake. The Phillies went much of 2011 with one lefthander in the bullpen. It's not ridiculous to think a 25-year-old who began the season as a first baseman in single A could be a lefthanded option in the bullpen come 2012.
Seriously.
A night like Monday is what Charlie Manuel and Rich Dubee will remember when spring training arrives in February. With a one-run lead and perennial All-Star catcher Brian McCann leading off the seventh, Manuel called for Savery.
McCann, a lefty, was his one batter. He threw two pitches. McCann bounced out to second.
"It was awesome," Savery said.
Savery, figuring that McCann wouldn't swing at the first pitch, threw a slider over the plate. He took it.
"Luckily," Savery said.
Next came the 92 m.p.h. fastball and an easy out. Then Manuel emerged with the hook.
Savery has faced six batters in his brief and unexpected major-league trial. He has retired five of them. Both lefties he's faced have recorded outs.
"It was my goal to give some of these guys a break," Savery said. "Then, I can try to make myself a factor for next year. I'm not taking any of these outings for granted. They can only go by what they see. So I'm trying to do my best."
So far, he's merited a closer look later.
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Is Savery's role in the future as a lefty specialist? Will he develop into a solid major league reliever?— atsipras- Reality is, the future is now. I love Bastardo but I think he and Stutes wore down a bit. It's a lot for young pitchers to do what they've done a whole season. Look at the Atlanta Choking Dogs relievers. They're blowing games now because they're worn out. I think they need to keep the "Joe Savery" option open. Plus he's done well so far.— Phillyexp
- I would prefer Savery over Blanton. With Bastardo hitting the wall, it would be nice to have Savery available to pitch in certain spots against a tough left handed hitter.— PortCity
- He had better confer with Dutch before making any plans about '12.— NewMick314
- Let’s dream a little about next year. Should Savery make the team as a pitcher, could he also help as a positon player/pinch hitter? What a tool to have should it all come together!— terrycindyian
- I can see the Phils having a very young bullpen next season with the exception of the closer. Don't see RM returning, but I could see a Heath Bell come in on a two year contract. By that time, one of their younger arms should emerge as the closer, perhaps Aumont.— beegal99
- I don't think Heath Bell is a good choice. Would much rather pay RM to stay. Much better upside. And we have some good young arms coming up even if RM does not stay. And what is going on with Contreras? — GHK
- @beegal - Bell has already stated he prefers to stay in SD and will take less money to do so!— dankil13
- With Bastardo struggling, it looks like Madson is a lock to be back, meaning J-Roll and Oswalt are gone. Welcome to the rotation David Herndon.— lonewolf1O
- I am sorry Mr. Herndon. Your son will be looking for another team or a real job next season. — coloradoeagle
- Joe SAVEry. What a great name for a reliever!— dasher
- Gotta like what Savery has done pitching in relief at four different levels this season. In 31 total appearances including the IL playoffs over 41 innings he is yet to give up a home run ball and has a 7-1 strike out to walk and a 3-1 ground ball to air ball ratios. In the minors he was 5-0 with two saves and picked up his first hold last night at the major league level.— Dull
- Good luck for Savery in 2012. There isn't a lot of $$$ left to spend, so we need these "cheap" options. Now if we can get ODB back on track...— palmyra21
- It's not that Savery WON'T be pitching in the postseason barring an injury, it's that he CAN'T. MLB requires a player to be on the 25-man roster (or the DL) as of August 31 in order to be eligible for the postseason. If a player on the roster is injured, he may be replaced by a player of the same position who was on the 40-man roster as of 8/31.— texd
- K-rod rule. he made his debut with the angels on Sept. 18th, 2002, so the Phils can exploit this the same way if they choose. — ESFjellin
