Savery looks toward 2012
News blogs, sports blogs, entertainment blogs, and more from Philly.com, The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News.
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.
Have a question? Send it to Matt Gelb's Mailbag.
Download our NEW iPhone/Android app for easy access to all of our Phillies coverage, plus app-exclusive videos and analysis. Get it here.
Savery should be looking forward to the 2011 playoffs.....he should be the 2nd lefty in the BP......— Mark1npt- Savery should be looking forward to the 2011 playoffs.....he should be the 2nd lefty in the BP......— Mark1npt
- Savery should be looking forward to the 2011 playoffs.....he should be the 2nd lefty in the BP......— Mark1npt
- Feel Phills must do best to sign Madson. Amaro knows this but with Boras as agent it will be tough. Boras always over values his players. J.D. Drew was going to be next Dimaggio. I hope Madson puts his 2 cents in. Certainly Madson warrants big bucks.— Don w
- He's got potential, he better stick with pitching now, and it never hurts for a Phillies pitcher to be able to hit.
I think relying on him for the post season is pushing it though. In 2012 he can contribute.— gmr18901
