They Could Use CC, But ...
Who needs CC Sabathia when you've got Brett Myers?
They Could Use CC, But ...
Todd Zolecki
The Phillies tried to land CC Sabathia before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, but came up empty.
They probably could have squeezed him into their rotation somewhere.
Sabathia ia 7-0 with a 1.40 ERA in seven starts since the all-star break. He is making a case for National League MVP and Cy Young. But interestingly, Brett Myers has been nearly as effective since he rejoined the rotation after his four-start stint in the minors. He is 3-1 with a 1.94 ERA in six starts since the break.
That includes last night's 4-0 shutout over the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park.
Sabathia and Myers have been two of the four most effective starting pitchers in baseball since the break (with a minimum of 25 innings pitched):
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CC Sabathia: 7-0, 1.40 ERA, seven starts.
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Randy Johnson: 4-2, 1.56 ERA, six starts.
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Brandon Webb: 5-0, 1.76 ERA, six starts.
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Brett Myers: 3-1, 1.94 ERA, six starts.
"It's a big acquisition that didn't have to happen" in a trade, centerfielder Shane Victorino said of Myers' return. "You didn't have to give up the farm system to go get a guy."
Myers just needs to continue to pitch like that because the offense hasn't been providing anybody much run support. The Phillies had nine hits last night, which was their most since they had 10 hits Aug. 11 in the first game of their seven-game road trip through Los Angeles and San Diego. They haven't had more than 10 hits since they had 11 hits against the Nationals on July 31.
The Phillies have won four of their last five, but have hit just .219 and scored just 15 runs (3.0 runs per game) in that stretch.
But the fact that Myers is pitching better (even though two of those six starts have come against the horrendous Nationals) is a good sign. Cole Hamels, Jamie Moyer and Myers looks like a fairly formidable trio should the Phillies make the playoffs again. But they've got to start hitting, too.
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In the Phillies Notebook: Pedro Feliz is back, David Ross is headed elsewhere, Hamels won't be facing the Mets next week and more.
My mistake, Lidge for the 9th and KMG....even a blind squirrel can hit one into the front row once a year......— Mark1npt- RollinsWasRight, if your point is that Myers is pitching much better after Triple A than before, then I think we're all in agreement. If you're trying to tell me, like Zo is, that he's been as good as Sabathia, then you must be high. Remember what the point of the discussion is, please.— hairball
- 6 outs to get at least one run.....— Clinton, NJ
I cannot take any more of Ryan Madsen. I don't care whayt his numbers are, can anyone recall him actually holding the other team when he come into the game??? He pitches like a starter, which is to say that he gives up a hit or two, a run or two and that's just peachy. PLEASE stop bringing him in when the game is close.— bobby- And while we're at it, Chase had better come through at the plate here. He owes us a run for the error earlier. Come on, Chase!— bobby
- THAT'S what I'm talkin' about! Way to go the other way. Now if Howard K's... strike 1... strike 2... ball 1... ball 2... (comeon, Ryan) strike 3. Nicely done. How'd you like that, Truth???— bobby
- I must say, it is nice to see Utley FINALLY start to adjust and hit the ball the left field.— Clinton, NJ
- At least Ruiz cant hit into a ROUTINE DP LOL— Clinton, NJ
- He tried his best...— bobby
- I would love for Coste to walk and J-roll be the hero!— Clinton, NJ
- start planning for the off season now folks! I cant believe how bad this years team is....WOW!— Clinton, NJ
- And of course the Mets win....%@%#@^$#@&$@$@&%$@%— Clinton, NJ
- We can all agree, that was pitiful. No excuse for not sweeping that team. And wasting another fine outing from Jamie Moyer. Hey, I know Chase threw that ball wide to first, but I give half that run to Howard, who failwed to stop the ball from getting past him. Hey, you're already off the bag, co catch the ball! A little extra effort there saves a run. Have these guys have packed it in mentally?— bobby
- This team will never win anything with clowns like Rollins and Myers owning the clubhouse.— Leron
- What a waste of a fine outing by Moyer?!? UGH! Now the real fun begins with the Dodgers & Mets. YIKES!— KarenA
