Is Happ Set For 2009 Spot?
Posted by Tim Malcolm, Thu, September 18, 2008 10:33 AM | Comments: 57
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JA Happ’s solid “I’ll bite, but you’ll have to beat me” start last night has allowed me to step out of 2008 and gaze into the 2009 season, just for a moment.
Happ has shown in a few starts that he can go deep enough to give his team a chance to win, while supplying the kind of arsenal that suffices for a No. 4 type starter. His fastball, changeup and sinker work very well together, and as he’s not afraid to challenge hitters, he seems to me more valuable than Kyle Kendrick (as of right now).
The 2009 Phillies have a nice problem — a lot of rotation-ready pitching. Cole Hamels, Brett Myers and Joe Blanton are signed on for 2009. For better or worse, Adam Eaton is, too. Happ, Kendrick and Carlos Carrasco are under the Phillies’ control next season. That’s seven pitchers who are automatically figured onto the rotation race for next season.
There are plenty of options. No need to go into trades or free agency (Jamie Moyer may return), but the Phils have plenty to work with when setting up the ’09 rotation. Judging by what you’ve seen from Happ, is he worthy of a spot next season? Where do you think he’ll end up?
Posts: 0 Bonezy
I am concerned a bit with Happ and being a fly ball pitcher. I understand that he will pitch in other parks throughout the year, but a majority of his starts will be in Philly. And we all know what happens with a little too much breeze.
Posted: 05:07 PM on September 18, 2008
Posts: 0 Bonezy
I love how on the metsblog, they have their standing listed in terms of the loss column just so they can stay in first place with us.
Posted: 05:29 PM on September 18, 2008
Posts: 0 harry
happ as better stuff then kendrick and more pitches to work with. also happ can strike out a batter if need be. i say start kendrick in AAA next year to refine a third pitch. make happ you #5 and when kendrick get his pitches straight we’ll worry about a pitching surplus.
Posted: 05:47 PM on September 18, 2008
Posts: 0 KM
I think Carrasco will benefit more from playing in double A next season. Triple A is just filled with former major league guys who couldn’t cut it, while double A is loaded with major league prospects and guys who are on the verge of making it to the show.
Posted: 08:58 PM on September 18, 2008
Posts: 0 Cold Beer
The Phils need more guys like Myers. It matches their city! Douchebag central.
Posted: 12:50 AM on September 19, 2008
Posts: 0 rk
so you guys think Myers to the #1 will work next year when it did not work this year?
Posted: 08:48 AM on September 19, 2008
Posts: 0 surplus inventory
surplus inventory…
. The term is used colloquially for any kind of Linkback. This is similar to comment spam but avoids some of the safeguards designed…
Posted: 01:11 PM on October 15, 2008