When Jamie Moyer fell off the mound during Tuesday night's win over the Astros and hobbled off to the dugout with Paul Bako's help, it immediately felt like the last time he would pitch this season. Team doctor Michael Ciccotti confirmed those feelings, as Moyer will require season-ending surgery for two torn muscles in his left groin and one in his lower left abdominal region.
Before you crank out the old man jokes (surprised it wasn't his hip!), Ciccotti said it's a typical injury for pitchers at any age, one that "90 to 95%" are able to come back from and play at the same level prior to the tears. Moyer will rehab and could be ready by spring training.
Still, that just sounds like brutal injury. Do three muscle tears in one shot really equate to a common injury? Either way, at 47-years-old, one has to least question whether maybe we've seen the last of Moyer. He has another year remaining on his contract, and did seem disgruntled that a move to the bullpen would cost him some bonus money, so that may be a motivating factor. What else is there? Besides the alure of winning another championship, he's already achieved all the obvious/attainable milestones.
Then there's the question of his role. Besides money, Moyer was genuinely unhappy with the move to the bullpen, and it isn't likely he earns his spot in the rotation back. There's a possibility Pedro returns next season, and even if he doesn't, the Phillies have a lot of young guys in the system itching for their opportunity. By the end though, it was clear Moyer was glad to still be a part of this all, celebrating with the other guys in the pen last night.
One final thing. My initial thought was this made a potentially difficult decision about the playoff roster a bit easier. Moyer has done a nice job as a long man, but it wasn't obvious whether or not he earned a roster spot in that role. Not having the option to carry Moyer gives them less versatility. In the event they weren't going to carry him into the playoffs though, this sure saved a lot of hurt feelings and pride.
If it is the last time Moyer ever pitches, at all or in a Phillies uniform, we have to thank Grampa for three and a half years of service. Not only did he do a fine job on the mound -- even this year, compared to what we had before him -- but he did wonders for the other pitchers on the club, particularly Cole Hamels. Don't be surprised when you see the old man in Clearwater though.
Original Story:
http://www.the700level.com/2009/10/gr...
|
September 30, 2009
