It’s the Philies and Yankees today, and it’s on the air!
And it’s a big day for Adam Eaton. The $8MM man has to improve upon last year’s horrendous season, where he posted an ERA over 6.00. Most years with most teams, that type of ERA will land you a 3-18 reord, but Eaton somehow won a slew of games, because no matter what he did to evaporate leads, the Phillies would get them back while he was still on the hill.
There’s no hiding this year — Eaton needs to pitch well, or else. He won’t be traded, won’t be released, but he could suffer a year of Allentown baseball if it’s so desired. Or he could waste away in the bullpen. And none of his weak excuses last year would help.
Whether Eaton was injured or not, this year has to be better. If he is injured, it’ll show, and he won’t waste the Phillies the 20 or so starts he did in 2007. Bottom line: For a World Series contender, the No. 5 starter has to fall in the mediocre-to-fair line (at worst), and Eaton didn’t even scratch mediocre last year.
Today starts an uphill climb for Eaton. If today goes well, the next start will be easier to digest. And so on. Judging by the first performance of JD Durbin and Lincoln Holdzkom, it’s in the Phillies best interest for Eaton to perform well.
Chad Durbin is second for the Phillies, and he’s Eaton’s main competition for the fifth starter spot. He’ll be watched closesly.
Ryan Madson is next, and it’ll be nice to see how he performs after another injury-riddled, but somewhat promising season.
Clay Condrey, who has no options remaning and one poor performance under his belt, will be next. He’ll need to be strong.
Tom Gordon finishes it off, and I’d like to see if he’s as healthy as others say.
The game is televised; it’s on the CW and at 1 p.m. On this slushy Saturday, grab yourself a hearty Samuel Adams honey brown lager, a well-cooked burger and enjoy the first glimpse of the Pinstripes.
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