Moyer Might Need to Consider Hanging Up His Spikes

I've read some sour reports and opinions online today about Jamie Moyer. Most are, more or less, leaning toward Moyer being replaced in the rotation. I'm not for that. The WSBGM guys consider Moyer going the route of Geoff Jenkins and Adam Eaton, as guys who were signed to considerable contracts, and were later cut and owed the full amount. Scott Lauber mentioned it, but simply touched on the idea of Moyer being bumped from the rotation in place of "Jay" Happ. Others are not pushing the emergency button yet and simply discussing Moyer's struggles. I'm not that relaxed either. Todd Zolecki quotes Moyer as not being worried, and Charlie Manuel saying "Our pitching is what it is. We signed those pitchers to pitch. Will I stay with them? Of course I'll stay with them."

In just a couple of weeks, the whole Phillies world will reminisce, when on Friday May, 29th, we look back two decades and remember Mike Schmidt's retirement. Schmidt retired in early 1989, when it became clear to him that he no longer was at the top of his game, and he didn't wish to continue playing if he could no longer play at a high level and give his team and his fans what he felt they deserved. The time may be fast approaching for Jamie Moyer to feel similarly to how Schmidt felt.

Moyer's trouble did not worry me through his first several starts this season. I stated this publicly on an appearance I made on The Shore Sports Report on Fox Sports 1310. On May 1st, headed into the first big series of the season against the Metropolitans, Moyer was 3-1 and had a 5.09 ERA. I stated on that day's show that Moyer was a veteran who knew what he had to do to improve, whether it was to adjust his own mechanics, adjust to the home plate umpire of the night, or set his own mind straight. I spoke of how he was like an extra coach, and how he was the least of my own worries in the Phillies rotation. Boy, has that outlook changed. Since then, in 3 starts, Moyer's ERA is 13.87. That has raised his season ERA to 8.15. Moyer has quickly gone from "guy I was most confident would rectify his high ERA" to "guy most likely to make me scream profanity during a game".

In 1989, it took Mike Schmidt less than 2 months to realize that he no longer had it. With a semi-milestone (550 homers) just ahead of Mike Schmidt, when he left the game, Schmidt said, "I could ask the Phillies to keep me on to add to my statistics, but my love for the game won't let me do that." Moyer may seem to be chasing the carrot that is his 250th win. Moyer is sitting on 249 wins for his career right now. At what point might Jamie's love for the game prevail and force him to realize he may no longer offer Major League skills to the Phillies?

Sunday School: Phillies History Lesson 73

Danny Ozark was the Phillies' manager from 1973-1979. During his tenure as the team's general, Ozark led Philadelphia to three straight division titles. In his playing days, Ozark was a first baseman, who was a career minor leaguer in the Dodgers system. When Ozark took over the team in 1973, the Phillies were fresh off 5 consecutive losing seasons and 3 straight last place finishes. During his first season in charge, the Phillies would again finish in last place, 20 games under .500, but as his core of young talent, like Mike Schmidt and Larry Bowa, developed, the Phillies' win totals rose. Within 2 years, the Phillies were above .500 and in the playoff hunt until late in the season and the most successful era of Phillies history was about to begin. By 1976, the Phillies were headed to the post-season for the first time since 1950. The Phils would enjoy a 10-game lead over their nearest division rival at the midway point of the season. Despite a lul, which saw their lead d...

PhoulBallz Interview: First round pick Bryson Stott

Bryson Stott, image- Jay Floyd Shortstop Bryson Stott , the Phillies' first round draft selection this year, has enjoyed a successful initial pro campaign. En route to being recognized as an All-Star for the Class A short-season Williamsport Crosscutters the 21-year-old UNLV product has tallied a .295 average with six home runs and 25 RBI in 45 minor league contests. Last week I spoke with the lefty hitting Stott to discuss his transition to professional baseball, joining the Phillies organization and plenty more. Read ahead for that interview. -Obviously, your performance and the production on the field is going well, but how do you feel you have adapted to the pro life? It feels good. You hear about the everyday grind, but you don't really believe it till you feel it. I would say that's the difference between college and the pros, is you're not practicing, you're playing games every day. I would say that's the biggest difference. But I...

Velasquez shut down, Eflin on deck?

Eflin with Reading in 2015, image- Jay Floyd Following Vincent Velasquez leaving his start after just two pitches for the Phillies on Wednesday, righty prospect Zach Eflin was pulled from his start for Triple-A Lehigh Valley at Gwinnett. The 22-year-old sports a 5-1 record with a 3.14 ERA and a .210 batting average against in 10 starts for the IronPigs this season. He could take the place of Velasquez if he is required to miss any additional time. Initial word on Velasquez after he threw two fastballs that clocked in the 86-87 MPH range (considerably slower than the 94 MPH he averages) and was swiftly pulled from his outing, is that he has a biceps strain. He'll be further evaluated in the coming days. Prior to the regular season, Eflin got a taste of competing against big leaguers when he was charged with 12 runs (nine earned) on 11 hits while striking out two and walking one with a wild pitch in three innings of work in an intrasquad exhibition that pitted the Phils...

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