Lee Wins Home Debut; Happ To Stay in Rotation

Cliff Lee has arrived at Citizens Bank Park. He lead the Phillies to a 3-1 win over the Colorado Rockies. Lee gave up only one run in 7 innings, striking out 9. Paul Bako, who has been a solid pick-up, smashed a homer.

In his first two starts, Lee has been as advertised. If he can continue pitching well, the Phils playoff rotation will be just fine. And J. A. Happ better be in it.

General Manager Rueben Amaro Jr. has confirmed that Happ will stay in the rotation, even if Pedro Martinez is ready to pitch, after his complete game shutout last night.

Amaro: "Happ's not going anywhere. He deserves to stay in the rotation. He's pitched very well. He's probably been our most effective starter." Indeed he has, Mr. Amaro.

Amaro: "We still haven't made a decision, but it's not out of the realm of possibility that six guys could pitch in our rotation." Well, pitching coach Rich Dubee doesn't like the idea, nor does Charlie Manuel. I might call that "out of the realm of possibility."

What is not out of the realm of possibility is that Jamie Moyer should move to the bullpen in favor of Pedro. I have been saying this for days, so I'm not going to restate my reasons. Don't release Moyer, just in case Pedro fizzles out.

The reason I don't like the 6-man rotation is because it is giving two rotation spots to over-the-hill pitchers. I'd rather have Pedro and Hamels than Pedro then Moyer. The 5th starter job should be given to either Moyer or Martinez, not both.

Happ Throws Complete Game; Pedro With 11 Ks

J. A. Happ has just secured his spot in the rotation according to everyone watching the game tonight. The 26-year old has just tossed his second career complete game shutout. Happ shut out the Rockies 7-o. The Phillies bats exploded with three homers (Pedro Feliz, Jimmy Rollins, Jayson Werth).

Happ struck out 10 in the game, giving up only 4 hits in his masterful performance. I don't care if Pedro is ready to go, Happ should not lose his spot in the rotation. Just for the record, Jamie Moyer has 0 complete game shutouts this season. Happ has 2.

Happ was hitting the corner all night long, even in the 9th inning. He struck out Troy Tulowitzki looking for the final out of the inning. The fans at the Bank exploded after that pitch, showing appreciation for Happ's gem.

Pedro Martinez threw 82 pitches through 6 innings for Double-A Reading. He struck out 11, clearly having no control problems. He did give up 2 earned runs.

John Finger of CSN wrote this on Pedro: "Featuring a nasty hook and a changeup that was too much for minor leaguers to handle, Martinez picked up 11 strikeouts and threw first-pitch strikes to 18 of the 23 hitters he faced." He's ready for the Majors.

After Happ's performance, Charlie Manuel and Rich Dubee should make the decision and remove Jamie Moyer from the rotation and put Pedro in his spot. That is the only logical solution. Pedro should get his shot and Happ clearly deserves his spot. Moyer is the odd man out.

The Pedro Question

Phillies management will have some upcoming decisions to make regarding their starting rotation. Pedro Martinez is starting tonight for Double-A Reading and could be in the Phils rotation as early as next Tuesday according John Finger of CSN. If Pedro is in, then who is out?

The likely candidate to exit the rotation and join the bullpen is 26-year old lefty J. A. Happ. Happ has pitched well in the rotation, going 7-2 with a 2.97 ERA in 25 games this season. Happ deserves to be in the rotation, and there is a pitcher 20-years older than him who I think should move to the bullpen.

Jamie Moyer is a fan favorite who has 10 wins this season. The problem with Moyer is that he is inconsistent. Last night against the Rockies, Moyer gave up 6 runs in 5 innings. Don't just think I'm overreacting to one bad start.

Moyer's 5.55 ERA is second-to-last among players eligible for the ERA title. Don't let his 10-8 record fool you, Moyer is definitely the weakest link in the Phillies rotation. Moyer has given up 4 or more runs in every other start since June 17. That's just how Moyer is. Sometimes he'll go 6 and give up 3, and sometimes he'll go 5 and give up 6.

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Uncle Charlie isn't even considering moving Moyer (above) from the rotation. Here's is his explanation: "I think it's because Jamie has 10 wins and because of who he is and the fact he's won 250-some games and he's been important to us."

Just because Moyer's a veteran and he's a nice guy and a fan favorite shouldn't factor into the decision. We all like Moyer, but you have to do what's best for the team. And who know's, maybe Pedro gets hit hard in his first few starts. In that case, you put Moyer back.

That's not going to happen though. Poor J. A. Happ will be forced into the bullpen even though he has pitched really well. Rueben Amaro Jr. said they haven't ruled out a 6-man rotation. Pitching coach Rich Dubee has nixed the idea, however.

Who Needs Halladay when You Have Happ?

        The Phillies beat the Marlins again today behind the pitching of J. A. Happ.  The Phillies swept three games from the Marlins down in Miami.  Happ pitched great, pitching 7 shutout innings.  He is 7-o this season with a 2.68 ERA.  Happ has been the pleasant surprise in the Phillies rotation.

        Happ has been mentioned as possible trade bait for Roy Halladay.  By the way, Halladay pitched a complete game today, giving up only one run against Boston.  I'm not sure the Phillies should give up Happ for Halladay.

        Happ's success isn't a fluke.  When you go undefeated in 7 decisions with a below-3 ERA, your not just a flash in the pan.  Happ is a good pitcher who can excel at the Major League level.

        With today's win the Phillies have a 7 game lead in the NL East.  The Phillies are arguably the hottest team in baseball.  They have won 8 straight ball games and 12 out of 15 this month.  Maybe the Phils don't need to give up their farm for Halladay.  It's not as if getting Halladay will guarantee the Phillies another World Series.

        The Phillies interest in Halladay is as high as ever.  According to Ken Fidlin of the Toronto Sun, Phillies adviser (and former GM) Pat Gillick was in Toronto to watch Halladay toss his complete game.  Also reportedly there were executives from Brewers, Rangers, and White Sox.