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.
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.
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