Skip to main content

What's the Right Move?

By
Now that Manny Parra has exceeded 100 innings pitched this year, Jamie Moyer has earned a promotion to the FOURTH worst ERA in the National League, among pitchers with over 100 innings (the other 2 who are worse- Todd Wellemeyer and Josh Greer). Moyer's 5.47 ERA overall and 6.88 ERA at home in 2009 are awful.

If Pedro Martinez makes his much anticipated Major League Phillies debut on Tuesday in Chicago, as many people expect, Moyer's next turn in the starting rotation would come around next Sunday in Atlanta. Based on his ERA and inconsistency, Moyer shouldn't get that start. As of now, the projected starters for the upcoming series in Chigago are listed as "To Be Announced". The Phillies haven't declared that Martinez is getting another minor league rehab/sharpening assignment, thus we can all believe that he'll be pitching against the Cubs this week.

Plenty of worry surrounds the decision to potentially move Moyer out of the rotation. Does he get moved to the bullpen? If so, should he be expected to perform effectively? Could they treat him as a cast off, the likes of Geoff Jenkins? Perhaps the answer to all of those questions is NO. A temporary solution could be to place Moyer on the disabled list. Just ask Pedro Martinez...I am sure the Phillies could find something wrong with Jamie in order to make the situation work. Placing Moyer on the DL would help the Phils not have to make an objectionable decision. It might allow everyone to save face. It would enable the Phillies to keep Moyer around the dugout, where he's a help to the club by coaching and guiding the other members of the starting staff, during their games.

I'm sure there have been plenty of phans and media members suggesting that Moyer would be better suited as a coach, at this stage in his career. I am also aware of the affinity that those same phans and media members feel toward Moyer, due to his role in the World Championship 2008 season and his local ties. Placing Jamie Moyer on the disabled list, keeping him on the roster, not insulting or embarrassing him with a demotion, and allowing him to continue to mentor the other starters is the best solution for the Phillies' starting pitching traffic jam, at the moment. Pedro was signed to help the team. Moyer's not helping the team. It's the right move.

---------------------------

*Afternoon update....
Phils have announced their plan. Moyer to the bullpen, "Jay" Happ starts Tuesday, Pedro Martinez goes Wednesday, Cliff Lee pushed back to Thursday. RoLo has been demoted to triple A Lehigh Valley.

---------------------------

Check out PhoulBallz.com's recent interview with Pedro Martinez here.

Follow PhoulBallz on Twitter HERE!


BallHype: hype it up!
Labels:

Comments

GM-Carson said…
Love ya Jamie, but it's time to put Grand Pappy to bed.
August 10, 2009 at 12:51 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sunday School: Phillies History Lesson 73

By
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...
2 comments
Read more

Mathieson Still Focused Despite Being Sent Down

By
CLEARWATER, FL- Somehow, despite the recent news that Brad Lidge is set to begin the season on the disabled list with a right shoulder injury, the Phillies didn't see fit to keep fire-balling righty hurler Scott Mathieson around. Mathieson, who has had a long road back to the big leagues following three elbow procedures (two of which were Tommy John surgeries), appeared in 7 games with the Phillies in spring training this year, posting a 2.00 ERA with 9 strike outs and 6 walks over 9 innings. The Vancouver, British Columbia native made his Major League debut with the Phils in 2006 as a starter, going 1-4 with a 7.47 ERA, but had his career sidetracked due to arm trouble. This spring, Mathieson was back where he wanted to be and felt that he was primed to return to a regular gig in the big leagues. However, on Saturday, the Phillies sent Mathieson back down to minor league camp. Mathieson's goal throughout his recovery has been to get back into the Phillies' red pinstripes...
Post a Comment
Read more

Velasquez shut down, Eflin on deck?

By
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...
Post a Comment
Read more