Looks like everyone today is talking about Brett Myers and his arm problems.
Myers – and the Phillies – lost to Pittsburgh 5-1 yesterday. While Paul Maholm was baffling Phillies’ hitters with a two-hitter, Myers was serving up cheeseballs, his fastball hitting the high-80s at their best.
That’s not Brett Myers.
Rich Dubee says its about preparation, not velocity. If Myers were to take more time with long tossing and arm strength exercises, he’d get back to 90+ MPH. Myers says all the exercises in the world won’t help, and oh, he doesn’t like long tossing.
Forgive me if I’m wrong, but didn’t Myers hit the nineties in a previous start this year?
Here’s the point: Brett Myers is a baby. An absolute whiny baby who wants to be closer again. He didn’t like moving back to the rotation (and he said it himself when the Phils signed Brad Lidge, but masked it with “anything to help the team” talk). Now he’s not preparing the way he should. If … if his velocity is an actual problem due to age or wear or something of that ilk, then he has to address that as a pitcher and never will he be able to become a closer.
But the truth lies in the words. Charlie Manuel:
“I haven’t seen a fastball. It topped out today at 89. Myers is usually 92-95, somewhere in there. I haven’t seen the fastball since the start of the season.”
Obviously the fastball was there. As the season has progressed, he hasn’t worked to preserve it. He doesn’t like starting – simple as. And for a guy who says he’s a team leader, for a guy who talks a lot of talk, he’s absolutely being a baby. Put up or shut up, Brett. If something is wrong, let it out. Because right now you’re costing the team innings they thought they’d get for free.
Associated Press photo
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