Q&A with Kyle Drabek

Kyle Drabek, former top draft pick of the Phillies in 2006, is currently pitching with the team's double A affiliate in Reading. The Reading Phillies' ace is currently 4-0 with a 2.43 ERA in 5 starts at the double A level this season. Combined with his single A level stats from Clearwater, Kyle is 8-1 with a 2.46 ERA overall in 2009. Kyle's father is former Pirates pitcher Doug Drabek. Kyle took some time last night to answer some questions for PhoulBallz.com. Here is a look at how that went down...

Kyle, can I get you to talk about being invited to play in the MLB Futures Game and how excited you are for that?

Really excited. It's an honor to be selected for something like that. The past players that have been there, I mean, to be going to the game is just amazing.

Were there some advantages growing up with a Major League pitcher for your father?

I'd have to say there's a few. Being able to learn from him every day, whenever I wanted. Just growing up with him, he taught me a lot about pitching, hitting, pretty much just everything about baseball. And it was just great. I love him.

With the NBA draft the other day, NHL draft this weekend, MLB draft a few weeks ago...I wanted to ask you about your draft day. Feelings, who were you with...?

Just real excited for the draft. I had my whole family, some of my teammates- most of my teammates from high school-, bunch of my friends, so it was kind of a bunch of people. My dad was watching the internet, and he told me when I got picked, and it was amazing. I couldn't believe it.

Is there any part of your pitching repertoire or your game that you are still working on improving?

Change up, really. Just in the bullpen- still working on every pitch, and location. But I'd have to say more on change up.

The ML Phils have some injuries to the pitching staff. If you were to get called into the office, and (manager) Steve Roadcap told you that the big club needs you in Atlanta on Wednesday, how would you feel?

I don't know. I know that I'd be real excited.

Do you think you're ready for a step up, or two...?

If they want me, I'll be ready for it!

If you were to hear your name attached to trade rumors, how might you feel or what might you think?

I really don't know. Just....I'd kinda be just like, "What?!"

Lastly, a non-baseball question. What's your favorite Michael Jackson song?

I really didn't listen to him that much. "Thriller" kind of sticks out.

What the hell else was I going to write about...?

It will be too late for many people's liking, but it's really about time to NEVER USE BRAD LIDGE IN A SAVE SITUATION ON THE ROAD AGAIN. Lidge in 2009 road games- 0-6, 8.10 ERA, 15 saves, 10 blown saves. One of my favorite statistics that I regularly update here on PhoulBallz is the percentage of games that Brad Lidge has allowed earned runs in this season, compared to the 18% he allowed in 2008. This year, Lidge has allowed earned runs in 43% of his outings. And, as a reminder, in 2007 Brett Myers allowed earned runs in just 21% of his relief appearances. Considering Lidge's season-long struggles, what is the solution when Brett Myers is ailing with a back muscle/shoulder injury, when Chan Ho Park has an injured hamstring, when Ryan Madson looks just as inept in the 9th inning as Brad Lidge seems and when JC Romero is still unavailable to pitch due to a forearm injury? Well, on Wednesday night, with Hanley Ramirez batting with two outs and the tying run on 3rd base, your an...

Watch Out For the Bat Boy

Stop ice grillin' the Phillies players, bat boy. I am watching YOU. I don't know what is on your mind, bat boy, but don't even think about doing something slick. You might wear the Phillies' uniform, but it is clear that you are a Yankees fan. It's all over your pale little "I wanna grow up to be like the Robert De Niro character in The Fan " face. The World Champs should be cautious around this kid. He could be dangerous. ------------------------------------------- Follow PhoulBallz.com on Twitter HERE !

'09 Lidge Will Prevent Repeat

Can the Phillies win the World Series with 2009 Brad Lidge as their closer? No. As we have reviewed multiple times here on PhoulBallz, 2009 Brad Lidge is not the same pitcher who closed out games for the World Champions in 2008. That guy is gone and some look-alike has assumed his job as Phillies closer. Lidge's current statistics are worrisome, to say the least. They are horrible, to put it more accurately. Through 49 games this year, Lidge has saved 23 games, blown 8 games, has a 0-5 record, a 7.21 ERA and a .299 batting average against. Lidge has allowed runs in 45% of his games pitched this year. Comparatively, 2008 Brad Lidge, saved 41 games, blew 0 games, had a 2-0 record, a 1.95 ERA and a .198 batting avg. against. 2008 Brad Lidge was only scored (earned runs) upon in 18% of his games. Looking back at recent history, the closer among the previous 20 World Series winners with the worst ERA is Robb Nen (1997 Marlins), at 3.89. For those with a World Series repeat on the brain...

PhoulBallz.com

Search This Blog