In this post, I answered questions presented by Pat Gallen of Phillies Nation. Click the link to see answers from other bloggers. If you have a question, please e-mail me at amanda@swingandalongdrive.com.
What should be the Phillies main focus heading into free agency - bullpen, offense, or more starting pitching?
The Bullpen. The Phillies have Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge -- that's it. Danys Baez will return, but I'd rather keep the ball as far away from him as possible. Chad Durbin, Jose Contreras, and J.C Romero are all free agents. Durbin's average. Bringing him back at a decent price would be solid, but losing him isn't going to be the end of the world. Contreras had a good year, but he's old. J.C Romero is too erratic and probably will demand a lot of money.
After Madson and Lidge, there is nobody. Antonio Bastardo? He hasn't done a thing in the big leagues. Scott Matheison could be a possible option, but he's had trouble getting out big league hitters, and even if he does well he is not going to solve the bullpen issues.
The Phillies wrapped up the regular season yesterday, finishing 97-65. Who was the Phils regular season MVP?
Roy Halladay. Every five days is win day. He gave the Phillies a solid 250 innings. Complete Games. Shutouts. Perfect game. How can he not be the team MVP?
Second: Jayson Werth; Third: Ryan Howard.
Showing posts with label Bullpen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bullpen. Show all posts
Phillies Finish Home Stand on High Note
As seen on Phillies Nation.
There was some magic in those pink bats that Jayson Werth, Placido Polanco, and Shane Victorino used. They each smashed solo home runs to help the Phillies wrap up a 7-3 home stand. But it was the bullpen that was the story in the Phillies 5-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves.
Cole Hamels lasted just five innings, but was backed by solid defense. In the first inning, Omar Infante rounded third as Werth threw a laser to Carlos Ruiz, who applied the tag. Infante was gunned down, and the inning came to an end. Hamels allowed three earned runs on eight hits. He struck out five, but was a tad wild as he walked four. Luckily for Hamels, he received run support unlike his last start.
The Phillies loaded the bases in the first inning. Werth was hit by a pitch by Kenshin Kawakami to force in a run. Ibanez followed with a shallow fly ball to right field. It was nowhere deep enough to score a run, however when Chase Utley is on third base, nothing is shallow enough. Melky Cabrera took his time, and Utley took advantage and tagged from third to score. By the third inning, the Phillies led 4-0 thanks to home runs by Polanco and Werth.
The Braves inched back off Hamels, but the bullpen stepped in and dominated. Chad Durbin pitched two perfect innings and struck out four. Jose Contreras has made us all forget about his poor spring training. He threw a scoreless inning to set it up for Brad Lidge.
Eric Hinske and Infante hit two loud fly balls. On any day, those balls probably would have left the yard, but thankfully the wind knocked them down. After all the fans took a deep breath, Lidge retired Martin Prado to record his first save of the season.
The Phillies' bullpen combined for four scoreless innings. Nor Durbin, Contreras or Lidge allowed a single base runner. The bullpen needs to continue this sort of dominance, and the Phillies will continue to succeed.
There was some magic in those pink bats that Jayson Werth, Placido Polanco, and Shane Victorino used. They each smashed solo home runs to help the Phillies wrap up a 7-3 home stand. But it was the bullpen that was the story in the Phillies 5-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves.Cole Hamels lasted just five innings, but was backed by solid defense. In the first inning, Omar Infante rounded third as Werth threw a laser to Carlos Ruiz, who applied the tag. Infante was gunned down, and the inning came to an end. Hamels allowed three earned runs on eight hits. He struck out five, but was a tad wild as he walked four. Luckily for Hamels, he received run support unlike his last start.
The Phillies loaded the bases in the first inning. Werth was hit by a pitch by Kenshin Kawakami to force in a run. Ibanez followed with a shallow fly ball to right field. It was nowhere deep enough to score a run, however when Chase Utley is on third base, nothing is shallow enough. Melky Cabrera took his time, and Utley took advantage and tagged from third to score. By the third inning, the Phillies led 4-0 thanks to home runs by Polanco and Werth.
The Braves inched back off Hamels, but the bullpen stepped in and dominated. Chad Durbin pitched two perfect innings and struck out four. Jose Contreras has made us all forget about his poor spring training. He threw a scoreless inning to set it up for Brad Lidge.
Eric Hinske and Infante hit two loud fly balls. On any day, those balls probably would have left the yard, but thankfully the wind knocked them down. After all the fans took a deep breath, Lidge retired Martin Prado to record his first save of the season.
The Phillies' bullpen combined for four scoreless innings. Nor Durbin, Contreras or Lidge allowed a single base runner. The bullpen needs to continue this sort of dominance, and the Phillies will continue to succeed.
Player Recaps: Brad Lidge
per⋅fect (adj.) / [pur-fikt]:
1. excellent or complete beyond practical or theoretical improvement 2. entirely without any flaws, defects, or shortcomings 3. 48-for-48 in save opportunities
Synonyms: unblemished, faultless, lights out, Brad Lidge in 2008
im⋅per⋅fect (adj.) / [im-pur-fikt]:
1. of, pertaining to, or characterized by defects or weaknesses 2. defective, faulty 3. 11 blown saves
Synonyms: causing fans to use profanity, Brad Lidge in 2009
Those 1-2-3 ninth innings in 2008 were nice, right? 2009 was a different story. We were treated to a nerve-wracking ninth that usually ended in disappoint and frustration. If your heart wasn't pounding, then you were probably on Mars.Coming off a "perfect" season, Brad Lidge's expectations were high, but the only direction he could go was down. And he hit rock bottom.
Lidge extended his consecutive save streak in his first three opportunities. Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. On April 18, Lidge blew his first save since 2007. Charlie Manuel walked to the mound to take the ball from Lidge. Proud, and well aware of his remarkable streak, the fans gave Lidge a standing ovation. It would not be the only time Manuel took the baseball from Lidge, but it would be the only ovation.
7-Eleven: a seven-plus earned run average and eleven blown saves. Lidge's longest save streak in '09 was five. It was rare that we'd see back-to-back saves from the righty. Overall, he went 0-8 in 58.2 IP, posting a 7.21 ERA, and 1.81 WHIP. He saved 31 games, struck out 61. Opponents batted .296 against him.
Lidge made every appearance interesting, even if he earned the save. He allowed 11 hits and 5.2 walks per nine. Lidge also allowed eleven home runs, a huge jump from his two the previous year.
Lidge would throw his slider early in the count, but the hitter would lay off. He'd immediately fall behind, and allow the batter to reach base. When Lidge allowed a lead-off runner, the game was over. His fastball velocity was there, but sometimes his command was off. Perhaps hitters figured him out, but in 2010 he'll have to do a better job of mixing and locating his pitches. Lidge is a two-pitch pitcher, but his stuff can be deadly.
Due to his poor performance, Lidge's health was always in question. He was placed on the disabled list in June (knee), but picked up right where he left off when he returned. Lidge did not have a single month where he had a sub-five ERA.
Charlie Manuel insisted that Lidge was the man for the closing role. But, down the strecth Manuel started to lose faith and called for a "closer by comittee." Sometimes Madson would close; sometimes Scott Eyre was brought in to get the first two outs of the ninth.
Lidge saved three games and didn't allow a run in the National League Division and Championship Series'. Unfortunately, he gave up the biggest runs in the World Series.
But hey, let's look at the positive: who got the win in Game 4 of the NLCS?
Lidge did a terrific job of raising our blood pressures. He made history by having the worst ERA of any closer (with at least 20 saves) in MLB history. He just didn't have it.
This article was also featured on Phillies Nation.
Player Recaps: Bullpen
This article was featured on Phillies Nation under 2009 Player Reviews.
Brad Lidge and Ryan Madson were the main arms in the bullpen, but there were other important arms, such as Scott Eyre, Chan Ho Park, and Brett Myers. Tyler Walker, Sergio Escalona, Antoino Bastardo, Jack Taschner, and Kyle Kendrick also spent time in the big league bullpen.
Collectively, the Phillies bullpen had a 3.91 ERA, which ranked 14th in the majors, and ninth in the National League.
With J.C Romero suspended and injured, Scott Eyre was a key factor in the bullpen, serving as a left-handed specialist. Eyre only pitched 30 innings, but he posted a 1.50 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. It’s unknown if Eyre will return in 2010. Eyre had injury problems, and had surgery in the off season. Eyre, a free agent, also tossed around the idea of retiring.
Chan Ho Park won the fifth starter’s spot in spring training. In seven starts, he posted a 7.29 ERA and lost his starting spot to J.A Happ. Park moved to the bullpen, and was extremely effective, posting a 2.52 ERA. His role as a reliever was undefined. Sometimes we would eat two or three innings; in other situations he acted as a set-up man in close games. Like Eyre, Park is a free agent, and a return is uncertain.
For the second year in a row, Brett Myers was the Opening Day starter. However, Myers missed most of the season due to a hip injury. Myers beat the odds and returned from surgery before the season ended. He struggled at the end of the regular season and in the postseason, but his determination was still there. The Phillies already notified Myers that he will not be a Phillie in 2010.
After a few bullpen injuries, Tyler Walker’s contract was purchased from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Walker pitched well in 35.1 innings with the Phillies. He had a 3.06 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. He later earned trust from the skipper in close game situations.
Sergio Escalona had a busy travel schedule. The young lefty shuttled back and forth between the majors and minors. The 24-year old went 1-0 with a 4.61 ERA in 14 games.
Antonio Bastardo tore up the minor leagues before being called up to start. However, he struggled during his time in the majors. He had a 6.46 ERA, then was placed on the disabled list. In need of bullpen help, Bastardo made the NLDS and NLCS roster. Despite only pitching 0.1 innings in the postseason, the decision to add Bastardo to the postseason roster was bold, and showed that the Phillies think highly of him. The 23-year old has a hard fastball, a nasty slider and changeup, and the potential to be a good major league pitcher.
The Phillies needed a lefty, so they shopped Ronny Paulino to the San Francisco Giants for Jack Taschner. Taschner’s stay in Philadelphia wasn’t a pleasant one. He had a 4.91 ERA in 29 innings before getting the boot.
From the beginning of spring training, it was Kyle Kendrick’s goal to show that his sophomore slump was just a fluke. He didn’t win the final spot in the rotation, although he did make a few spot starts. Kendrick spent most of the season in Triple-A, only pitching 26.1 innings in the majors. He had a 3.42 ERA, but he was very inconsistent. Kendrick has another opportunity to redeem himself and win the fifth starter’s job in 2010.
The 2009 bullpen was recognized more for their reality show, “The Pen,” than anything else. The bullpen wasn’t the Phillies strong point like in 2008, however it was about average. They had guys like Park who could get the job done, but they also had guys like Taschner who couldn’t.
Brad Lidge and Ryan Madson were the main arms in the bullpen, but there were other important arms, such as Scott Eyre, Chan Ho Park, and Brett Myers. Tyler Walker, Sergio Escalona, Antoino Bastardo, Jack Taschner, and Kyle Kendrick also spent time in the big league bullpen.Collectively, the Phillies bullpen had a 3.91 ERA, which ranked 14th in the majors, and ninth in the National League.
With J.C Romero suspended and injured, Scott Eyre was a key factor in the bullpen, serving as a left-handed specialist. Eyre only pitched 30 innings, but he posted a 1.50 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. It’s unknown if Eyre will return in 2010. Eyre had injury problems, and had surgery in the off season. Eyre, a free agent, also tossed around the idea of retiring.
Chan Ho Park won the fifth starter’s spot in spring training. In seven starts, he posted a 7.29 ERA and lost his starting spot to J.A Happ. Park moved to the bullpen, and was extremely effective, posting a 2.52 ERA. His role as a reliever was undefined. Sometimes we would eat two or three innings; in other situations he acted as a set-up man in close games. Like Eyre, Park is a free agent, and a return is uncertain.
For the second year in a row, Brett Myers was the Opening Day starter. However, Myers missed most of the season due to a hip injury. Myers beat the odds and returned from surgery before the season ended. He struggled at the end of the regular season and in the postseason, but his determination was still there. The Phillies already notified Myers that he will not be a Phillie in 2010.
After a few bullpen injuries, Tyler Walker’s contract was purchased from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Walker pitched well in 35.1 innings with the Phillies. He had a 3.06 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. He later earned trust from the skipper in close game situations.
Sergio Escalona had a busy travel schedule. The young lefty shuttled back and forth between the majors and minors. The 24-year old went 1-0 with a 4.61 ERA in 14 games.
Antonio Bastardo tore up the minor leagues before being called up to start. However, he struggled during his time in the majors. He had a 6.46 ERA, then was placed on the disabled list. In need of bullpen help, Bastardo made the NLDS and NLCS roster. Despite only pitching 0.1 innings in the postseason, the decision to add Bastardo to the postseason roster was bold, and showed that the Phillies think highly of him. The 23-year old has a hard fastball, a nasty slider and changeup, and the potential to be a good major league pitcher.
The Phillies needed a lefty, so they shopped Ronny Paulino to the San Francisco Giants for Jack Taschner. Taschner’s stay in Philadelphia wasn’t a pleasant one. He had a 4.91 ERA in 29 innings before getting the boot.
From the beginning of spring training, it was Kyle Kendrick’s goal to show that his sophomore slump was just a fluke. He didn’t win the final spot in the rotation, although he did make a few spot starts. Kendrick spent most of the season in Triple-A, only pitching 26.1 innings in the majors. He had a 3.42 ERA, but he was very inconsistent. Kendrick has another opportunity to redeem himself and win the fifth starter’s job in 2010.
The 2009 bullpen was recognized more for their reality show, “The Pen,” than anything else. The bullpen wasn’t the Phillies strong point like in 2008, however it was about average. They had guys like Park who could get the job done, but they also had guys like Taschner who couldn’t.
Part IV: NLDS Preview: Bullpen
This is Part IV of the NLDS Preview. Click here for Part III, or see the full article on Phillies Nation.The bullpen is a weakness for both teams. Charlie Manuel is unsure who will close for the Phillies, but it will likely be between Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge. Lidge’s struggles are well documented, blowing the most saves in the majors. Madson struggled when he closed, but his high velocity and nasty changeup are closing material. Huston Street, the Rockies closer, isn’t automatically light’s out either. His numbers are impressive: 3.06 ERA, 35 saves, 0.91 WHIP and a .194 opponents average. However, he can be very inconsistent. When he gets hit, he gets rocked.
The Phillies bullpen has been plagued with injuries. J.C Romero and Jamie Moyer both had season ending surgery. Brett Myers has a 6.43 since returning from hip surgery. The Phillies made an interesting move by leaving Clay Condrey off the roster and adding Antonio Bastardo and Kyle Kendrick. Condrey may still be suffering from his back injury, but adding Bastardo is questionable. The Phillies added a rookie with limited and unsuccessful major league experience, but they are in desperate need of a left-handed reliever. With Scott Eyre the lefty specialist, Bastardo will get limited action, much like Happ last season. Pedro Martinez’s role has yet to be defined, but chances are he will pitch out of the bullpen.
The Colorado bullpen includes Joe Beimel, Rafeal Betancourt, Franklin Morales, Matt Daley, and Matt Belisle. Biemel, their primary left-handed specialist, went 1-6 with a 3.58 ERA this season. Since joining the Rockies, Betancourt has a 1.78 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 25.1 innings. Franklin Morales has yet to live up to his expectation, but he can be a solid pitcher. Belisle has struggled this season, and Daley is a rookie who has had some success.
In two hitter-friendly parks, pitching can prove to be a key factor. As the saying goes, pitching wins championships.
Is There An Answer?
Originally featured on Phillies Nation.
On Wednesday night, Brad Lidge blew his league leading, eleventh save of the year. Should Brad Lidge continue to close? Most of us can agree that the answer is no. The question remains: who should fill his role? There is no answer; at least I don't have one.
Lidge can not continue to close games, but he will. Charlie insists on "sticking to his guy." Many believe that Lidge will be left off the postseason roster, but I do not see it happening. He deserves to be, but if Manuel is letting him close this late in the season, I doubt Lidge will be excluded during the playoffs.
Ryan Madson has struggled in the closer's role, blowing six saves. He was not much better when he filled in for Lidge. He is like LaTroy Hawkins. He can't close, but is a decent set-up man.
Brett Myers is hurt, as well as J.C Romero and Chan Ho Park. The Phillies don't envision Tyler Walker, Chad Durbin or Sergio Escalona as closers.
Phillies Nation mentioned that J.A Happ could close. It would be worth a shot and it is a strong possibility. At this point, anybody is better than Lidge, but no thank you. I think it could work out for the short term, but not for the long term. He doesn't have a go-to strikeout pitch like Lidge's slider (when it's good). I was never a fan of Happ relieving from the beginning. I'd rather get 6+ scoreless innings from Happ than one.
The closing situation is a big issue. It will be impossible for the Phillies to go deep into the postseason with this reoccurring nightmare. The bullpen is a problem, but answers are scarce.
On Wednesday night, Brad Lidge blew his league leading, eleventh save of the year. Should Brad Lidge continue to close? Most of us can agree that the answer is no. The question remains: who should fill his role? There is no answer; at least I don't have one.Lidge can not continue to close games, but he will. Charlie insists on "sticking to his guy." Many believe that Lidge will be left off the postseason roster, but I do not see it happening. He deserves to be, but if Manuel is letting him close this late in the season, I doubt Lidge will be excluded during the playoffs.
Ryan Madson has struggled in the closer's role, blowing six saves. He was not much better when he filled in for Lidge. He is like LaTroy Hawkins. He can't close, but is a decent set-up man.
Brett Myers is hurt, as well as J.C Romero and Chan Ho Park. The Phillies don't envision Tyler Walker, Chad Durbin or Sergio Escalona as closers.
Phillies Nation mentioned that J.A Happ could close. It would be worth a shot and it is a strong possibility. At this point, anybody is better than Lidge, but no thank you. I think it could work out for the short term, but not for the long term. He doesn't have a go-to strikeout pitch like Lidge's slider (when it's good). I was never a fan of Happ relieving from the beginning. I'd rather get 6+ scoreless innings from Happ than one.
The closing situation is a big issue. It will be impossible for the Phillies to go deep into the postseason with this reoccurring nightmare. The bullpen is a problem, but answers are scarce.
Long Delay, but Phillies Beat Braves
As seen on Phillies Nation.An hour and fifty-one minute rain delay halted play, but it did not prevent the Phillies from beating the Atlanta Braves, 4-2. With the win, the Phillies took the series, 2-1.
Cliff Lee pitched four innings before it poured. Phillies-killer Matt Diaz drove in the only run against Lee, who allowed five hits and struck out two.
It looked like Lee would pitch after a 45-minute delay, but the tarp was put back on before play could resume. The bullpen was busy during the Atlanta series. Thanks to the rain and a couple injuries, no starter pitched beyond four innings. Once again, it would be up to the bullpen to hold the lead.
Prior to the delay, the Phillies scored four runs. Trailing 1-0 in the third, Ben Francisco's RBI double tied the game. Francisco entered the game after Shane Victorio was ejected. Victorino was caught stealing. He slammed his helmet and had a few kind words for Chad Fairchild before being tossed.
Raul Ibanez and Pedro Feliz each drove in a run. Chase Utley's RBI triple in the fifth inning extended the Phillies lead to three.
The bullpen was excellent. Tyler Walker pitched two shutout innings. Ryan Madson struck out the side in the eighth inning. The ball was handed to Brad Lidge in the ninth, and he saved his 31st game of the season. He allowed a run, but struck out two in the save.
The bullpen will be able to rest during tomorrow's off day. The Phillies head to Florida where they could possibly clinch the division. The magic number lowers to six.
Closing Options
Brad Lidge's time as a closer must be numbered. After last year, Lidge has been given a free pass, but it's time to rip it up. With nine blown saves, a 7.33 earned run average, and 1.80 walks and hits per innings pitched, he can't continue to be the Phillies closer. The Phillies have other options.
When Lidge was on the disabled list earlier this year, Ryan Madson took over as closer. However, he was also victimized. Madson has of record of 4-4 and is 4/8 in save opportunities. He has a 2.95 ERA and 1.18 WHIP. He strikes out 9.1 batters per nine. Overall, they are decent numbers, but most of his struggles have come as closer. While trying to adjust to his new role, perhaps he tried too hard. Giving him another chance is worth a shot.
Brett Myers went down with a hip injury, but is recovering faster than expected. There is a chance Myers will be back as a reliever. He has closing experience, in 2007, when he went 5-5 with a 2.87 ERA. He saved 21 games in 24 opportunities and opponents batted just .229 against him. As a closer, he was a whole different animal, striking out 64 in 53.1 innings.
With this being his contract year, Myers would like to make an impact any way he can. He has experience, and was successful at it. He loved it, and was upset with the Phillies converted him back to a starter the following year. Myers should not immediately jump into the closers role, but depending on his outings, he could find himself in the ninth inning.
Chan Ho Park, Chad Durbin, and others could close, but they aren't the best options. They have been successful in the roles they are currently in, especially Park. When J.C Romero returns, he would give the Phillies another option, but with the number of base runners he allows via walks, he probably won't fare well.
Charlie Manuel wants to "stick to his guy," but how many more blown saves will it take? After being the National Leagues' best closer in 2008, Lidge has been the worst closer in baseball this season, sporting the most blown saves and highest ERA of any reliever. As long as Lidge is pitching the way he currently is, he can not close. The best option is Madson or Myers, once he returns.
This post was edited by Pat Gallen. To see his point of view on Lidge, visit Phillies Nation.
When Lidge was on the disabled list earlier this year, Ryan Madson took over as closer. However, he was also victimized. Madson has of record of 4-4 and is 4/8 in save opportunities. He has a 2.95 ERA and 1.18 WHIP. He strikes out 9.1 batters per nine. Overall, they are decent numbers, but most of his struggles have come as closer. While trying to adjust to his new role, perhaps he tried too hard. Giving him another chance is worth a shot.
Brett Myers went down with a hip injury, but is recovering faster than expected. There is a chance Myers will be back as a reliever. He has closing experience, in 2007, when he went 5-5 with a 2.87 ERA. He saved 21 games in 24 opportunities and opponents batted just .229 against him. As a closer, he was a whole different animal, striking out 64 in 53.1 innings.With this being his contract year, Myers would like to make an impact any way he can. He has experience, and was successful at it. He loved it, and was upset with the Phillies converted him back to a starter the following year. Myers should not immediately jump into the closers role, but depending on his outings, he could find himself in the ninth inning.
Chan Ho Park, Chad Durbin, and others could close, but they aren't the best options. They have been successful in the roles they are currently in, especially Park. When J.C Romero returns, he would give the Phillies another option, but with the number of base runners he allows via walks, he probably won't fare well.
Charlie Manuel wants to "stick to his guy," but how many more blown saves will it take? After being the National Leagues' best closer in 2008, Lidge has been the worst closer in baseball this season, sporting the most blown saves and highest ERA of any reliever. As long as Lidge is pitching the way he currently is, he can not close. The best option is Madson or Myers, once he returns.
This post was edited by Pat Gallen. To see his point of view on Lidge, visit Phillies Nation.
Tired Bullpen Needs Rest
As featured on Phillies Nation.
Despite Monday's off day, the bullpen is in desperate need of rest. In the last five games, the bullpen has pitched 27.1 innings, thanks to three extra inning games and a rain delay.
Todd Zolecki points out statistics from the weary bullpen:
The bullpen has thrown a total of 217 innings this season, sixth most in the major leagues and more than the National League average of 200 IP.
Even though the Phillies have blown nine saves (which is the National League average, and the same number of blown saves as the New York Mets), the 'pen has done a decent job. Their earned runs average is 3.73, sixth in the NL. They have allowed 1.40 walks and hits per innings pitched, but opponents have only batted .237 against them.
Sure, they have not been lights out like last year, but they've done well and need rest. Charlie Manuel says that the relievers need to play through it.
Some say pitching through it will keep them loose avoiding a stiff arm. But the Phillies do not need any "dead" or "tired" arms during the dog days of summer or in the midst of a September pennant race or an October run. Rest will only benefit the team for the near future, so the starters really need to step up.
Despite Monday's off day, the bullpen is in desperate need of rest. In the last five games, the bullpen has pitched 27.1 innings, thanks to three extra inning games and a rain delay.Todd Zolecki points out statistics from the weary bullpen:
- The bullpen has not thrown fewer than 3.1 innings in a game since June 9 in New York when they threw 2.2 innings.
- They have not thrown fewer than 2.2 innings since June 5 in San Diego.
- That is 43.2 innings in the previous nine games, or nearly five innings per game.
The bullpen has thrown a total of 217 innings this season, sixth most in the major leagues and more than the National League average of 200 IP.
Even though the Phillies have blown nine saves (which is the National League average, and the same number of blown saves as the New York Mets), the 'pen has done a decent job. Their earned runs average is 3.73, sixth in the NL. They have allowed 1.40 walks and hits per innings pitched, but opponents have only batted .237 against them.
Sure, they have not been lights out like last year, but they've done well and need rest. Charlie Manuel says that the relievers need to play through it.
"You walk a lot of guys that is a sign they might be a little tired. But that's baseball. That's no excuse. If we're tried then we'll get rest and come back and get 'em. That's all."
Some say pitching through it will keep them loose avoiding a stiff arm. But the Phillies do not need any "dead" or "tired" arms during the dog days of summer or in the midst of a September pennant race or an October run. Rest will only benefit the team for the near future, so the starters really need to step up.
Happ Moved To Rotation
J.A Happ was moved to the starting rotation and Chan Ho Park was moved to the bullpen."I'm disappointed," Park said. "I lost the job as a starter, which is what I
wanted. I don't make the decision, but I lost the job. I've got a new job. I
have to figure out how to prepare to be good with the new job in the bullpen. I
have good memories of the bullpen last year. I know it's not easy, that's why I
don't like being in the bullpen. But the team expects more from me out of the
bullpen. I have to do my best."
Park could be available out of the bullpen as early as Wednesday. Happ will pitch Saturday against the New York Yankees.
QUOTE SOURCE: Zo Zone