Morality Is Not An Issue (But Starting Pitching Is)

It's still too early to be concerned about Phillies' starter Jamie Moyer, right? Moyer was unable to survive the third inning, in Thursday's 7-5 loss to the Mets, as New York pounded his batting practice-quality offerings for seven hits and seven runs. Moyer was fortunate that he was only responsible for seven runs, as he was removed with two runners on, and only one out. The ageless wonder's ERA now sits at 7.26, with a FIP too profane to note in this blog. Moyer continued to battle teammate Brett Myers for the home run lead, with his nine home runs allowed only one behind Myers' ten. Hopefully, this is just a bad stretch, and not the beginning of the end for Moyer. That two-year contract is not looking good right now, (Phillies General Manager) Ruben (Amaro, Jr.)!

Compliments of Moyer, the Phillies fell behind 7-1 in the third inning. Thanks to future starter J.A. Happ, the Phils were able to get back in the game. Happ was not needed to pitch his usual three innings in relief of Chan Ho Park on Wednesday, since Park was actually effective. As a result of Park's performance, Happ was available to throw three and two-thirds innings Thursday. Happ stranded the two runners he inherited from Moyer, and allowed only two hits in his strong forty-seven pitch outing. (Moyer threw sixty-nine pitches, in accumulating seven outs.) Happ solidified his bid to join the rotation, the only question is whom he should replace. (The correct answer is still "Park", but the competition is closer than it should be. Maybe J.A. Happ and Cole Hamels should just make all the starts. )

The Phillies used home runs by Jayson Werth (4-4) and Ryan Howard to close to within 7-5 in the ninth inning. Mets' closer Francisco Rodriguez came on in the ninth, pitching in his fourth consecutive game. Pedro Feliz started the inning by working the count on the Mets' reliever, forcing him to throw pitch-after-pitch, in a physically and mentally draining at-bat. (Nah. Feliz swung at the first pitch, and flew out. Half of the game is ninety percent mental, Pedro!) Phils' Manager Charlie Manuel then chose from his plethora of strong bench options, selecting Miguel Cairo to pinch-hit for Carlos Ruiz. This move was somewhat surprising, as Miguel Cairo may be the worst batter in the Phillies' organization. Manuel could have allowed Ruiz to bat for himself, or used such exciting options as Chan Ho Park, Joe (the Lumber) Blanton, or Brett Myers, as the pinch-hitter. Cairo grounded out. Matt Stairs followed with a walk, putting the tying run at the plate, but Jimmy Rollins popped out to end the game. It was impressive that the Phillies got as close as they did, but the lack of bench depth was too much to overcome. Apparently, the limitations of their bench are limitless.

In tragic news, former Phillies' Manager Danny Ozark passed away on Thursday. Ozark managed the Phillies from 1973, until August 1979, and won three consecutive division titles. He was instrumental in the development of the nucleus of the 1980 World Championship team. Ozark was well-known for his malapropisms. When asked about the team's morale, he replied that "Morality is not an issue with this team." He once indicated that outfielder Mike Anderson's "limitations were limitless" and that "half of the game was ninety percent mental." RIP, Danny.

The Phillies return to CBP Friday night, to face Atlanta. The Braves will send Jo-Jo Reyes to the mound. Reyes was 0-4 with a 7.65 ERA in four starts against Philly in 2008, including a 9.24 ERA at CBP. The Phils' counter with ace Cole Hamels, making his first start since April 28th. With Happ drained from Thursday night, the Phillies could use a strong outing from Hamels. As Danny Ozark would likely say, if asked to describe this strong hitting/weak pitching Phillies team, "Even Napoleon had his Watergate."