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.

Recapping the Mascot's All Star Game

The Major League Mascot All Stars and Minor League Mascot All Stars competed in their All Star game last night. Swing and a Long Drive and IRONPIGPEN were able to sneak into the game that was played behind closed doors. For a recap of the first 4 innings, visit IRONPIGPEN: The Pork Stops Here!

In the first half of the game, Muddy, the Minors' cleanup hitter, pointed his bat to the stands a la Babe Ruth. He hit a home run, giving the Minors a 6-0 lead. They held the lead until the eighth inning.

After Billy the Marlin was knocked out of the game, Lou Seal was able to mop up in relief.

Paws, the Minor League Mascot's starter, had a no-hitter through 7.2 innings. However, on the first pitch to The Bird, the umpire noticed that Paws had been doctoring the ball, something he had mastered. He was immediately ejected from the game. He argued with the umpire. To support the call, the San Diego chicken gave the umpire an eye exam, which he passed, proving the call was correct.

Champ, Scranton Wilks-Berre's pitcher, came in to relieve Paws. The MLB Mascots called the Los Angeles Angels' rally monkey. The Bird and The San Diego Chicken each drew a walk. Youppi singled for the MLB Mascot's first hit. It was a slow roller to right, but despite his speed, The Bird was held at third base because of Muddy's gun for an arm.

The Phanatic followed with a grand slam! It became 6-4. Mariner Moose hit a two-run homer before Champ struck out Mr. Met to end the inning.

Stomper came in during relief for the MLB Mascots, trying to keep the game tied at 6. He did the job. He loaded the bases for Ferrous. Ferrous' girlfriend was in attendance, however they hid them from each other since she makes him nervous. Ferrous finally saw Fe Fe, and became nervous. He struck out with the bases loaded.

The game looked to be headed into extra innings after the Minor League Mascots got two easy outs. On a full count, the San Diego Chicken launched one to deep left field. Woll E. Bull leaped at the fence. It went over his glove for a walk off home run. MLB Mascots won, 7-6.

The chicken clucked around the bases only to be mobbed by his mascot buddies. A dog pile formed, looking like a pile of toys that a toddler forogt to pick up.

The seven run deficit was the biggest comeback in Mascot All Star history. The MLB All Stars planned to dine at KFC for a celebratory dinner. The San Diego Chicken declined the invitation, spending the rest of the evening with his family.

The Mascot's Game didn't actually happen.

All Star Mascots

In honor of the All Star Game, here is the Mascot All Stars roster. This was a very tough decision, and many of the mascots are All Star worthy. However, we had to cut our list to nine. For the Minor League Mascot All Stars, visit IRONPIGPEN: The Pork Stops Here!

1B: Phillie Phanatic

The Phillie Phanatic is not only the best mascot on the Mascot All Star team, but the best mascot in all of sports. He bats cleanup and is a big target at first base. The Phanatic keeps the rest of his mascot buddies loose in the clubhouse, playing pranks on everybody. He'll distract the umpires, and put a hex on the opposing pitcher. He is a true team player, always rooting for his team. Everybody loves the Phanatic... except maybe Tommy Lasorda.

2B: The San Diego Chicken

Somehow, the Swinging Friar took the Chicken's spot. It doesn't matter, because The Famous Chicken will always be an All Star. He has quick speed and great defense. Like the Phanatic, the Chicken is known for his famous gestures.

SS: The Bird

The Bird has a lot of range at short. He's been seen at opposing team's ballpark and is friends with many other mascots. He isn't afraid to play a prank and he is also, a Hall of Fame candidate.

3B: Mariner Moose

Poor Mariner Moose has always been an All Star-caliber mascot, but has suffered so many injuries. He broke his ankle roller-blading and he crashed his ATV into Coco Crisp. The Moose was also a HOF candidate.

LF: Wally the Green Monster

He's a wall out there in left. He wasn't liked at first, but grew on everyone. He's always interacting with players and fans.

CF: Racing Sausages

These quick sausages can cover the entire outfield. The only one who disapproves of them is Randall Simon.

RF: Youppi

Although the Expos are no longer in existence, Youppi is a favorite of many. He is now the Montreal Canadiens mascot. Youppi has a fiery attitude; he was the first mascot ejected from a game. Like The San Diego Chicken and the Phanatic, he is a Hall of Famer.

C: Mr. Met

His big head is a perfect target for the pitchers.

SP: Billy the Marlin

The ace of the staff was nominated to the Hall of Fame last year. The Marlins signed him "not only for his skill, cunning and great competitive nature, but most of all for his outstanding sense of humor and great rapport with baseball fans of all ages."

IRONPIGPEN's Minor League roster (for more, visit his site).


P: Paws
C: Spikes
1B: Rowdie
2B: Rip Tide
3B: Buster
SS: Buddy Bat
LF: Wool E. Bull
CF: Ferrous
RF: Muddy

The MLB roster is much better than IRONPIGPEN's. Why? There is a reason they aren't Major League mascots.

Mayberry's Impact

In need of an extra right handed bat for for interleague play, John Mayberry Jr. was called up from Triple-A.

Mayberry's eight home runs and 25 runs batted in led the Lehigh Valley IronPigs coming into Sunday. Called up to the majors, Mayberry impacted the Philadelphia Phillies lineup right away by showing his power to the nation.

His first major league home run, a three run shot, gave the Phillies a 4-1 lead on Saturday. He also doubled.

In his second game, he was 0-for-5 with a strikeout.

Charlie Manuel said Mayberry will stick around for awhile, but the Phillies do not need a designated hitter until June 23 when they play the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. After their series in Tampa, they head to Toronto to take on the Blue Jays.

Mayberry won't recieve much playing time with a starting outfield that consists of Jasyon Werth, Shane Victorino and the red hot Raul Ibanez.

Despite their need for a right handed bat off the bench, the Phillies would benefit if Mayberry is sent back down to Triple-A. Being able to play on a daily basis, he'll get extra at-bats so he won't be rusty if he gets playing time in the majors at the end of June.

He does not have enough experience, and strikes out too much to serve as a temporary pinch hitter. Just 25 years old, his future is an everyday player, not a utility man.

While Mayberry is a much needed right handed power bat, the Phillies should look elsewhere for the sake of benefiting the team in the future.

For IRONPIGPEN's point of view on this subject, please visit his blog: IRONPIGPEN: The Pork Stops Here!

Biggest Upset in International Baseball

The World Baseball Classic ended over a month ago, but it's never a bad time to look back. In fact, this years WBC had one of the biggest upsets ever in international baseball.

The Dominican Republic came into the tournament as the favorite to win their pool, and possibly win it all with their stacked lineup and power house team. Then there was the Netherlands, who were expected to do nothing other than put 9 men on the field.

In the first game of the tournament, the Netherlands took an early 3-0 lead with the help of a few defensive errors by the DR. Sidney Ponson and the rest of the Netherlands pitching limited the powerful offense to just 2 runs, as they won the game 3-2. If that already wasn't a big enough upset, the Netherlands would do it again, in dramatic fashion.

Facing elimination, the Dominicans found themselves against the Netherlands again. The winner would advance to the second round; the losers were done.

The game was a pitchers duel. The game was 0-0 until the Dominicans took a 1-0 lead in the 11th inning when the Netherlands's right fielder, Gene Kingsale, misplayed a ball with two outs. With Carlos Marmol on the hill, things looked good for the Dominican Republic.

But the Netherlands's were resilient. A double to lead off the inning, and Kingsale was at the plate with a chance to redeem himself. He singled and tied the game.

The Netherlands would be down to one out with Yurendell de Caster at the plate. He hit a groundball to first, looking like the game would be sent to another inning, however first basemen Willy Aybar made an error, and Kingsale scored the winning run. Another upset for the Netherlands as they advanced to the second round in dramatic fashion, shocking the world.

Because the Netherlands upset the Dominicans, not once, but twice, that makes it the biggest upset in international baseball.

To see IRONPIGPEN's biggest international upset, please visit his site.

All Time Phillies Phantasy Draft

IRONPIGPEN, Jay, and I each drafted an "All time Phillies Fantasy Team."

We each took turns picking a Phillies player one by one. The only rule: each player must have played at least three seasons as a Phillie.

My team and their career stats while with the Phillies:

C- Darren Daulton .244 AVG / 134 HR / 567 RBI / 48 SB
1B- John Kruk .306 AVG / 62 HR / 390 RBI / 33 SB
2B- Juan Samuel .262 AVG / 100 HR / 413 RBI / 249 SB
SS- Jimmy Rollins .277 AVG / 125 HR / 544 RBI / 295 SB
3B- Mike Schmidt .267 AVG / 548 HR / 1,595 RBI / 174 SB
OF-Ed Delahanty .348 AVG / 87 HR / 1286 RBI / 411 SB
OF-Del Ennis .286 AVG / 259 HR / 1124 RBI / 44 SB
OF- Greg Luzinski .280 AVG / 223 HR / 811 RBI / 29 SB

SP- Robin Roberts 3739.1 IP / 234-199 / 3.46 ERA / 1871 K
SP- Jim Bunning 1520.2 IP / 89-73 / 2.92 ERA / 1197 K
RP- Steve Bedrosian 287.1 IP / 21-18 / 103 SV / 3.28 ERA / 241 K

Of the three rosters, I think I have the best team. First, I have the best Phillie of all time, Michael Jack Schmidt, a 10 time gold glover, 6 time silver slugger and three time MVP winner. Speaking of MVPs, Jimmy Rollins won the 2007 MVP, has a silver slugger and 2 gold gloves. Another award winner includes Steve Bedrosian who won the 1987 Cy Young Award.

Every single player on my team has been an All Star at some point during their career. My team also has 4 Hall of Famers in Schmidt, Delehanty, Bunning, and Roberts and 7 Phillies Wall of Fame members.

Schmidt is the Phillies all time leader in home runs. Delehanty is second in batting average. Schmidt, Delehanty, and Ennis are 1-2-3 in RBI leaders. Roberts pitched more innings than any other Phillies ever has and is second in wins and strike outs on the Phillies all time list. Bedrosian is second on the Phillies all time saves list.

Who has the best roster? Make sure you read IRONPIGPEN: The Pork Stops Here! and Phoul Ballz rosters and vote (on the sidebar) on the best team!

Cuba Could Win

The power house teams are expected to dominate the World Baseball Classic. With stars on teams such as USA, Japan, and the Dominican Republic, there is almost no question those teams will succeed.

Ever hear of an upset? Cuba is capable of it. They don't have the big name players like other teams, however Cuba finished second in the 2006 WBC and won the silver medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Their players aren't popular in the rest of the world, but in Cuba is a different story. Their key players are outfielder Frederich Cepeda, pitcher Pedro Lazo, and infielder Yuliesky Gourriel.

In their first game of international play, Cuba dominated South Africa, 8-1. Cepeda hit 2 homeruns.

Cuba isn't known to have a bad team. Cuba won Gold Medals in the 1992, 1996, and 2004 Olympics. They won 14/17 Gold Medals in the Central America and Caribbean games. They also won 25 World Cup Gold Medals. History is on their side.

Cuba's toughest opponent may be Japan if both advance to the second round. However, if they get past them, they can get past anybody.

The Netherlands upset the Dominican Republic team on Saturday. The DR's main offensive threats in their stacked offense lost the two best players in the game, Albert Pujols and Alex Rodriguez. The reason the DR will not win the tournament because of their pitching. Their pitching staff is anchored by the young Edison Volquez. They are talented, but very young.

The USA also has a decent team, but their pitching staff isn't as good as it could be. They have aces Jake Peavy and Roy Oswalt, but their bullpen is a little questionable. Pitchers also have pitching limits in the first few rounds, so their starters will not go as deep into a game they normally would.

IRONPIGPEN explains why Japan will win. Phoul Ballz explains why Team USA will win. Check out their counterpoints!

Swing and a Long Drive Notebook

Sorry, there is no counter point post today with IRONPIGPEN. Be sure to check in next week. We will more predictions for the World Baseball Classic along with the author of the blog Phoul Ballz.

In Phillies news, check out the Late Show with David Letterman tonight. Jimmy Rollins is following Cole Hamels' shoes. He will be giving the Top 10 Reasons to Watch the World Baseball Classic.

Also tonight at 8:00 EST, the Phillies will be featured on MLB Network's show, 30 in 30.

The Phillies scrimmaged Team USA today and lost, 9-6. Kyle Kendrick gave up 4 runs, and did not handle his emotions well. Pitching coach Rich Dubee stated Kendricks reactions were "poor" and "unacceptable."

Ryan Howard and Jason Donald each hit home runs for the Phillies. Rollins and Shane Victorino each had 1 hit for Team USA.

WBC Picks

Here are my predictions for the winners of each pool for the World Baseball Classic.

Pool A: Japan

The defending champions look to their young phenom, Yu Darvish, and star veteran, Ichiro.

I think Japan will win the entire tournament. (Look back next week for a counter point post on tournament winner predictions)

Pool B: Cuba

The Cubans won the silver medal in the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics.

Pool C: United Stats of America

A lot of players opted not to play for Team USA, but they are still stacked with stars such as David Wright.

Pool D: Dominican Republic

Even without Albert Pujols, the Dominicans have a stacked lineup with the likes of Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz.

The bloggers of IRONPIGPEN! The Pork Stops Here! and Phoul Ballz also made predictions. Check them out.

Don't Waste Their Time

Over the past few seasons, the Phillies have played exhibition games during the spring against minor league teams, such as the IronPigs. They have also played against Flordia State University in the past.

Does a pro team really need to play non-professional level teams? While it is nice to watch future stars and have younger players create a story to tell the grandchildren, such as striking out a Major League All Star, the professional players don't need to waste their time.

In many cases, the games aren't going to be close, thus making it not as fun for both sides. And if the game is close, or the pro team comes out on the losing end, its an embarrassment that will be talked about.

Last years exhibition game was toward the end of spring training. It was a nice way to open Coca Cola Park, but with the rosters cut down, the Phillies leave their starters play most of the game. Prospects who last the whole camp at the big level don't play for the team they will likely start the season with as Major Leaguers prepare for the start of the season.

The Phillies will not play these teams this season.

For the counterpoint of this argument, please visit IRONPIGPEN: The Pork Stops Here!

Happ: Rotation or Bust

Phillies pitching coach Rich Dubee recently stated that Kyle Kendrick was the favorite to win the fifth spot in the rotation. However, I still believe that J.A. Happ will win the job.

Last season, Happ was bounced around from the starting rotation to the bullpen and back due to the struggles of Brett Myers and Kendrick. Most of his success came as a starter where he had a 2.28 ERA and opponents batted just .188 off him. Happ finished the season strong, with a 2.41 ERA in September making the postseason roster.

If Happ does not win the starting job this spring, there is a chance he could fill the much needed hole as a left handed relief pitcher. However, if Happ doesn't start in the majors, he should start in AAA.

Filling J.C. Romero's shoes isn't an easy job to fill. There are still question marks as to whether Scott Eyre will be able to. Happ doesn't have much bullpen experience, and in the experience he has, he struggled. In 8 innings of relief, Happ had a 7.88 ERA, 1.88 WHIP, and opponents batted .343 off the lefty.

Happ pitched mostly in mop up situations out of the 'pen, but in 2009, he would be pitching in late innings during close games. The Phillies can't afford to have him put up those type numbers in big situations. Even if the Phillies decide not to use him in those situations, having him sit is a waste. At least he'd be able to get some work in during the minors.

Happ's future is as a starter, not a reliever. There is no reason in changing the way he pitches, throwing him out every day, instead of every five. Happ is better off getting some extra seasoning in the minor leagues than relieving.

For the counter point of this argument, please visit IRONPIGPEN: The Pork Stops Here!

Rules Should be Enforced in WBC

The World Baseball Classic will be featuring many rules that are not familiar wit Major League Baseball.

Rules:

• DH will be used every game.
• 65 limit pitch count in Round One, 80 in Round 2, 95 in the Semi-Finals and Finals. (A pitcher may finish batter if he reaches the limit in the middle of an at-bat.)
• A pitcher must rest 4 days if he threw 50 or more pitches, 1 day if he threw 30 or more pitches, and 1 day after he pitched 2 consecutive games in a row.
• A game is called after opposing team is up by 10 runs after 7 innings or 15 in 5 innings.
• MLB replay rules will be adopted (home run over fence, fair/foul, fan interference)
• If game goes until the 13th inning, each half inning will start with runners on first and second base.

These rules are completely necessary for the World Baseball Classic. For many players, this is a competitive form of spring training which includes more playing time. Many are just getting back into the baseball routine.

The pitching rules will be sure to save the arms of pitchers. Pitching wins championships, and a team needs their pitchers healthy for the season.

The mercy and extra inning rules are also necessary. They will speed up the game save time, and players from waring down before the season begins.

The rules shouldn't be used for Major League Baseball, but because the World Baseball Classic is so early in the year, they are perfectly useful.

For the counter point of this argument, please visit IRONPIGPEN: The Pork Stops Here!

A-Rod Playing for DR

In 2006, Alex Rodgriguez played for the United States during the World Baseball Classic. In 2009, A-Rod will be playing for the Dominican Republic.

A-Rod, 33, has 553 career home runs and could very well break Barry Bond's all time record. A-Rod also has a career .306 AVG and .967 OPS. With Team USA, A-Rod hit .333 with no home runs and 3 RBI in the 2006 WBC.

A-Rod is also a wealthy man. Over his career, he has made a total of $194,431,586. He made $28 million in 2008, more than the entire Florida Marlins roster.

The controversy is whether A-Rod, a New York born player, should be able to switch his WBC team.

A-Rod is a Dominican American, so playing for Team Republica Dominicana isn't out of his roots. At the age of four, A-Rod and his family moved to their native country, the Dominican Republic. He lived there for a few years before moving to Miami.

The rules state that a player can chose his native country, or a country of his ancestors. The decision for A-Rod in both 2006 and 2009 weren't easy ones. Wanting to satisfy both sides, A-Rod said in 2005 he would not play for either team. However, he stated in interviews he was leaning toward playing with the Dominican Republic in 2006. With the help of David Ortiz, A-Rod committed to the Dominican Republic in 2009.

"I am 100 percent sure that I will play for the Dominican Republic team,"
Rodriguez said. "This time, there will be no doubts, and it is a dream of my
mom's that I intend to fulfill."

Perhaps A-Rod was not satisfied with Team USA's loss to Mexico early in the first WBC. Perhaps he feels he has a better opportunity with the Dominican team.

Because A-Rod is both American and Dominican, he should have a choice as to which team he wants to play for, even if he decided to flip flop teams. After all, in the first place, A-Rod was not completely committed to playing with the United States.

For the counter point of this article, please visit IRONPIGPEN: The Pork Stops Here!

QUOTE SOURCE: Worldbaseballclassic.com

Power House Teams Will Dominate

The United States and Japan have two of the biggest market teams in the World Baseball Classic. Add in the Dominican Republic and you have 3 of the world's biggest power houses.

In 2006, the United States lost in the second round to Mexico. In this years tournament, USA will try to redeem themselves, taking home the gold.

While many players opted to sit out the WBC and report to Spring Training, Team USA still has a solid team. The United States have returning players to their roster, but also have key additions and subtractions. The popular topic is Alex Rodriguez moving from Team USA to the Dominican Republic team. But that doesn't mean USA has a hole at third base.

You know Team USA is good when your choice of starting third baseman is between Chipper Jones, David Wright, and Evan Longoria.

Derek Jeter and Dustin Pedroia will be playing the middle field, with Jimmy Rollins and Mark Derosa backing up. Derek Lee or Kevin Youkilis will man first. A terrific infield, none the less.

The outfield is filled with spectacular talent such as Grady Sizemore, Ryan Brain, and Carlos Quentin, as well as others.

The United States also has excellent starters in Jake Peavy, Roy Oswalt and Scott Kazmir as well as others. With a 65 pitch limit, the bullpen must be strong. With J.J Putz and Joe Nathan at the back end of the bullpen, the late innings should be a breeze.

Japan is looking to repeat. In 2006, they defeated Cuba in the finals to take home the championship. Japan has Major League talent on their roster, including world wide fan favorite, Ichiro Suzuki.

Japan's pitching also consists of the Red Sox's Daisuke Matzusaka. Dice-K will try to dazzle the world with his famous pitch, the gyro-ball. Also on the pitching staff is Dice-K's Boston teammate, Hideki Okajima. Okajima had a 2.61 ERA in 2008.

One of the biggest names in Japan, and on the WBC roster is Yu Darvish, a 22 year old phenom. In 4 seasons with the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters, Darvish is 48-19 with a 2.33 ERA and 585 strikeouts.




The offense of the Dominican Republic's can't get much better with Albert Pujols and Alex Rodriguez both in the same lineup. The Dominicans also have a tough choice for shortstop between Hanley Ramirez and Jose Reyes, two of the game's best.

The roster will also include big names like David Ortiz, Alfonso Soriano, Vladamir Guerrero and others.

The pitching doesn't have the big names like their offense, anchored by Ervin Santana, Francisco Liriano, Edison Volquez, with Jose Valverde and Francisco Cordero at the back end. The Dominican Republic may not have the best staff in the WBC, but they have talented pitchers who will get the job done. They'll surely get their run support.

The double elimination bracket could prevent the smaller market teams to pull ahead of the power houses. However, the World Baseball Classic may be like the playoffs; any team can get hot at the right time. The small market teams could end up winning the tournament, as they have a lot of talent too. However, there is no reason why Japan, USA and the Dominican Republic wouldn't be able to dominate.

To see the counter point of this article, please visit IRONPIGPEN: The Pork Stops Here!

Participating in the World Baseball Classic

Some of the world's best players will be competing in the 2009 World Baseball Classic in March. Many current and former Phillies participated in the last tournament in 2006.

In this years tournament, many Major League players opted out of the global event. Brad Lidge, Cole Hamels, Chan Ho Park, and Ryan Howard are among Phillies who chose to sit out. Chase Utley partcipated in 2006, but is forced to sit out recovering from hip surgery.

Despite his suspension, J.C. Romero will participate on Team Puerto Rico. Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino (USA), Matt Stairs (Canada), Ronny Pualino (Dominican Republic) and Carlos Ruiz (Panama) will be Phillies to participate in the event. Mike Schmidt will be apart of Team USA's coaching staff.

Minor leaguers Carlos Carasco (Venezula), Mike Bolsenbroek (Netherlands), Drew Naylor, Joel Naughton, Brad Harman (Australia), and Michael Spidale (Italy) will also participate.

Fomer Phillies Bobby Abreu, Carlos Silva, Endy Chavez (Venezula), Rod Barajas (Mexico), Brian Mazone, Nick Punto, Mike Costanzo (Italy), Rheal Cormier, R.J. Swindle (Canada), Travis Blackley (Australia), Randall Simon (Netherlands), and Bruce Chen (Panama) will also participate.

It is a shame baseball was eliminated from the Olympics since Major League players can't leave their teams during pennant races, but this could replace it. Although it may not be as big as soccer or hockey world events, it is important for many players to represent their countries, especially those from the Dominican Republic. The event itself is great, but for the Phillies sake, it might be better if some of their stars sit this one out.

There are many risks involved. A player could get hurt, and be done for the year. Having a Major League team losing one of their star players would be a huge blow to a team, especially one who has a chance to make the postseason. Although there is a 65 pitch limit for pitchers, there is always that risk, and pitching is one of the most important aspects of the game.

The Phillies did an excellent job of using Cole Hamels during the 2008 season. Hamels set a career high, and was third in all of baseball in innings pitched. The Phillies were careful not to overuse him, avoiding short rest. Hamels is more successful when he is rested. Hamels has a history of injuries, and the WBC could increase his risk of injury, rushing into competitive games. Hamels, normally a slow starter in Spring Training, needs extra time to get ready for the season.

Howard usually has excellent springs, so he would probably impact Team USA. Howard needs to use spring to see the ball better and work on mechanics to be consistent and cut down on strikeouts. It is also likely Howard will be hearing for arbitration during this time.

Brad Lidge is due for a blown save, unfortunately. Brad, you can blow as many saves as you want in Spring Training, so use that time wisely. Get it all out bud. Team USA wouldn't be too happy about that.

USA manager Davy Johnson stated that for the shortstop posistion he will not share time between Derek Jeter and Jimmy Rollins. If Jeter gets the job, it would be a disadvantage to Rollins. Rollins would not get the at bats he would normally get in Spring Training. This could lead to a slow start for Rollins.

Ronnie Paulino is in a similar situation as Rollins. Paulino will be a backup, therefore not getting at bats in.

For a minor leaguer such as Carrasco, participating in the event will effect his chances of being on the Major Leagues roster. The 5th spot in the Phillies rotation is up in the air, and Carrasco has a chance of getting the job. Chances may be slim, but participating in the WBC takes those chances away as it will be tougher for the Phillies coaching staff to evaluate him.

I'm a fan of the World Baseball Classic. I think it is excellent for the game of baseball and different countries. It promotes the game and gives us all a chance to see different players. I'm excited to watch, but from a biased Phillies standpoint, it is better some players report to camp.

For the counterpoint of this argument, please visit IRONPIGPEN: The Pork Stops Here!

Donald Should Fill In

You can't replace the best second baseman in baseball. With hip surgery this off season, Chase Utley could not return until June, at the worst case scenario. If Utley were to miss time, who would fill in?

The Phillies thought about adding Mark DeRosa through a trade, but the deal didn't fall through. The Phillies signed infielder Marcus "the other brother" Giles to a minor league contract, and the older, injury prone Nomar Garaciaparra has been linked to the Phillies. The Phillies have Eric Bruntlett, who filled in for Jimmy Rollins at shortstop while he was injured in 2008. The Phillies have plenty options, but I think their best bet is somebody in their own farm system: Jason Donald.

A natural shortstop, Donald can also play second base. Donald has become the target of many trade rumors for the Phillies because he is blocked by Rollins and Utley. There is also talk Donald would have to move to third base for the future.

While it will most likely come down to his performance in Spring Training, the 24 year old has shown signs he is ready for the Major League level.

Donald was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Angels, but decided to attend the University of Arizona. In 3 seasons at the University of Arizona, Donald hit .315 with 20 HR, 18 SB and 127 RBI.

The Phillies selected Donald in third round of the 2006 draft. In 3 Minor League season in the Phillies organization, Donald has batted .297 with 27 HR, 27 SB and 149 RBI. His career OPS is .842.

If college and the minor leagues doesn't prepare enough for the Major Leagues, Donald participated against some of the world's best in the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. Donald led the team with a .381 AVG. He had 5 RBI, and an OPS of 1.107. His HR in the bronze medal game helped Team USA bring home a bronze.

Donald's numbers haven't decreased. He participated in the Arizona Fall League. He finished 2nd among leaders in batting average hitting .407. He hit 5 HR, 17 RBI, and had an OPS of 1.223.

The downside to Donald is the strikeouts. In 3 seasons, he struck out 162 times in college, 237 times in the minors. He struck out 25 times in 25 games in the AFL. However, many Phillies hitters have showed that strikeouts are just like any other out. Ryan Howard approaches 200 strikeouts almost every year, but is still productive.

If Donald produces at the Major League level, the Phillies have another weapon. When Utley returns, the Phillies have a reliable, much needed right handed bat off the bench. In addition, his trade value rises.

If the Phillies are without Utley, Donald is one of their best options, without having to make a move or going to far. Try him out a month, and if it doesn't work out, they can always send him down to straighten him out until he is ready. A few weeks can't hurt, and who knows, his success could continue at a higher level.

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Price: Major League Ready

In the first overall pick of the 2007 draft, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays selected a phenom, none other than David Price.

A very talented athlete, Price was originally selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers out of high school where he compiled an 0.43 ERA and 151 SO. He decided to attend Vanderbilt on a full scholarship. In 3 college seasons, Price was 22-10 with a 3.23 ERA and 441 SO.

The pitching experience Price had in college prepared him for the Minor Leagues, and eventually Major Legaues. The fact they he pitched at Vanderbilt cut out those long bus rides in the Minors. The college play can serve as Minor League experience.

Price breezed through the Minor Leagues. 2008 was his first year in pro ball, A+ with the Vero Beach Devil Rays. He earned an A+ with his performance. In 34.2 innings, Price went 4-0 with a 1.82 ERA. He struck out 37 batters, and had a WHIP of 1.01. He didn't allow a home run. The Rays knew they had something special in their farm, and promoted him to the Montgomery Biscuits in AA.

He continued to dominated at a higher level. In 57 innings, he went 7-0 with a 1.89 ERA and 1.02 WHIP. He struck out 55 batters and walked just 16.

Again, he was promoted to the next level. He spent 4 games in AAA with the Durham Bulls before being promoted to the Major Leagues. Price stumbled a bit posting a higher 4.50 ERA and 1.72 WHIP. However, he was striking out just as many batters as he pitched innings, and didn't allow a home run.

The Rays felt Price was ready for the Major Leagues, and was called up in September during the heat of a playoff race. Joe Maddon was not afraid to use him, as he knew there was something special about the 23 year old sensation.

He did not win a game during the regular season, but in 14 innings, he had an ERA of 1.93, striking out 12 batters. He had a WHIP of just 0.93 and batters hit just .176 off the lefty.

The Tampa Bay Rays clinched the postseason for the first time in franchise history, and Price was on the roster.

Due to injuries, the Rays did not have a regular rotation in the bullpen, thus having to piece their pen together, taking it pitch by pitch. Although a starter, Price pitched out of the bullpen since the Rays starting rotation was set.

Price made an instant impact. He won his first game of his career in the postseason in the American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox.

The biggest moment of his young career came in game 7 of the ALCS. The Rays were on the verge of making the World Series, and Price was closing out the game. He closed the game, and a ground ball sent the Rays to the World Series. Without Price, they might not of done it. Price will give the Rays a better chance of repeating their 2008 season, possibly go further, by winning it all.

Overall, in the postseason, Price was 1-0 with a 1.59 ERA and 8 strikeouts over 5.2 innings. He had a WHIP of 0.86, and batters hit just .100 off him.

Price will start 2009 as a starting pitcher with the Rays, and he deserves it. The Rays had a similar situation in 2008 with Evan Longoria. Major League ready, the Rays decided to start him in the Minors, potentially saving money. If the same thing were to be done with Price, that would be a shame. They'd be missing his talent at the big league level. If money is issue, it shouldn't be. Price may be an appropriate name, because he is worth every penny.

He has proven he can pitch dominating at every level he has pitched, including the Major Leagues. While in the Major Leagues, it was not like he was doing mop up work. He dominated playoff teams.

Price has a bright future in front of him, which may contain a few Cy Young Awards.

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