Skip to main content

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?

Comments

Jay Floyd said…
PhoulBallz.com forgot its own birthday! Last Friday was the 1st birthday of this site. Thanks to all of you who read, and drop the comment love from time to time.

This page has come a long way in a year. I am looking forward to an even bigger second year.

It's been a lot of fun. I love baseball, so this is certainly an easy hobby/3rd job. Thanks again and go, Phils!
Canadian Wood said…
Happy Birthday. It's a shame the Phils didn't get you a W as a gift.

Popular posts from this blog

Caption This....

Jayson Werth was hit by a pitch thrown by Jeff Bennett on Friday. This picture shows where the ball made contact with Werth. Drop YOUR caption in the comments area.

Who is Your Favorite Willie 'Mays' Hayes?

PhoulBallz.com is wondering which individual who has portrayed Willie "Mays" Hayes is the favorite of the public. Hayes, of course, is the character made famous in the Major League motion picture series. In Major League , Willie "Mays" Hayes was portrayed by budding Hollywood actor Wesley Snipes, who would go on to action movie superstardom. Snipes has starred in major motion pictures like the Blade trilogy, Passenger 57 , Undisputed and many more. Snipes remains an impact Hollywood actor, despite legal troubles related to income tax evasion. Snipes was replaced for the sequel, Major League II when his busy career, and possibly the film's budget, would not allow him to return, by Omar Epps. Another budding actor, Epps had previously worked with director David S. Ward, on the film The Program , and landed the role of Hayes, who had become a Hollywood action star over the off-season that occured between the two films. Epps' career portraying athletes rolle

Harry Kalas Phorever...

Legendary broadcaster Harry Kalas passed away today. Harry collapsed while preparing to call today's game against the Washington Nationals. So many phans will feel as though we've lost a member of our own families. I feel as though I've lost a part of myself, but Harry enhanced my love of the great sport we call baseball and I will always carry that love, and Harry, in my heart. I've stated on this page before that I consider Harry more of a Phillie than anyone who wears the uniform as an active member of the roster. Harry Kalas was a Phillie. Moreso, Harry Kalas was the Phillies. Please share your thoughts and memories of Harry in the comments section, or send them to PhoulBallz (at) verizon (dot) net.