Myers Struggles In Return; Phils Still Eyeing Burnett? July 23, 2008
Posted by Dave in Philadelphia, Phillies.Tags: Brett Myers, Pat Gillick, Toronto Blue Jays, Philadelphia Phillies, carlos carrasco, AJ Burnett, Lou Marson
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Myers struggled in his return to the Phillies (AP)
When his confidence grew after four minor league starts, Brett Myers set an ambitious goal of - I wish I were making this up - winning 10 games for the Phillies in the second half of the season (fifth paragraph from bottom). His quest for double digit victories was made even less likely tonight when he struggled in his return to the big club.
In five innings of work Myers walked five, including four in the first inning. He gave up three hits and three runs while punching out - bad choice of words for Brett - striking out a pair. Granted his return came on a big stage with the Phils paired up against the Mets who are now tied with the Fightin’s for first place in the division. There was no six-run ninth inning comeback for the Phils tonight to bail out Myers. He’ll have to step up big time if he wants to contribute to the big club, let alone win ten whole games.
Relief could be coming for the Phils…again. This time in form of another starting pitcher. Wait what? Didn’t the Phillies just trade for Joe Blanton? Apparently Gord Lakey, the director of major league scouting for the Phils was in Baltimore tonight to catch A.J. Burnett’s latest start for the Toronto Blue Jays. Rain suspended this game in the sixth inning, but it could have been worse for Lackey. He could have been at Shea Stadium watching Brett Myers pitch. Burnett faired much, much better tonight. In five innings, Burnett allowed six hits, but struck out seven and walked no one.
Could the Phils make a move for Burnett? Sure it would probably make them the favorite to win the division, but what would the Phillies do with all those pitchers? Currently the releivers on the active roster are Clay Condrey, Chad Durbin, Adam Eaton, Brad Lidge, Ryan Madson, J.C. Romero, and Rudy Seanez. It could be beneficial to move Myers to the pen. Seanez has been struggling with pain and could perhaps be put on the DL alongside Tom Gordon.
It appears Pat Gillick has picked a favorite prospect. Especially considering the state of the Phillies catching situation, Lou Marson seems to be the true “untouchable” prospect. Perhaps Carlos Carrasco is now a trading chip for Gillick. It’s unclear if the Phillies will really go after another starting pitcher, but Pat Gillick even admitted there could be another trade before the non-waiver deadline.
The way J.A. Happ is pitching, and the way he pitched in his two starts for the Phils, I don’t understand why he isn’t being given a chance to show his worth for the Phils over an extended period. Unlike Burnett, Happ comes cheap and is tied up for 5 years from the start of his career. I would hate to see the Phils trade him for a “rental”. He probably would be better than Blanton. If Myers falters another time or two, send him back down and bring Happ up!
If teams are interested in Myers as a closer, they should deal him ASAP. I’m glad they now consider Lou Marson untouchable, I didn’t want to see him dealt, especially with the year Carlos Ruiz is having.