It was September 1st. The day when the Phillies could expand their active roster, by as many as fifteen players, and reinforce the tiring bullpen and the ineffective bench. The Phillies had a wide variety of replacement-level options for recall, and they summoned...Jack Taschner. And...that's it. Yikes.
On the plus side, the Phils have indicated that more recalls are coming. Some pitchers (Rodrigo Lopez? Kyle Kendrick? Drew Carpenter? Steven Register? Sergio Escalona?) should be up shortly. A catcher (Tuffy Gosewisch? Paul Hoover?), an outfielder (John Mayberry, Jr.?), and a player with some speed (Rich Thompson? Quintin Berry?) should also get the call. Players have to be on the 40-Man roster to be recalled (Gosewisch, Hoover, Thompson, and Berry are not.), but Joe Bisenius and Jack Taschner are easily DFAable. Rehabbing relievers Brett Myers, Clay Condrey, and Antonio Bastardo are also probable additions.
A look at some of the recent Phillies' transactions should give us an idea of their likely thought process:
Jack Taschner is recalled from Lehigh Valley (AAA). Given that he was a dismal failure with the Phillies this season, didn't think we'd see him on the parent club again. But, he put up some good numbers in AAA, and the Phillies are paying him an MLB salary, so they might as well let him eat some low leverage innings. Besides, maybe having him around the 'Pen will help Chad Durbin.
For the IronPigs, Taschner posted an ERA of 2.18, in 20.2 IP. But we know ERA can be deceptive, especially for relievers. We saw Taschner spend weeks in MLB WHIPping the ERAs of his teammates, by allowing inherited runners to score. Looking deeper at Taschner's AAA numbers, we see a .249 BABIP/81.3 LOB%/4.02 FIP combo. Taschner has been rather fortunate in AAA.
However, the southpaw has been experimenting with a sidearm delivery, when facing left-handed batters. If he could get LHBs out, he might be a satisfactory LOOGY. He did look good in this role, during Wednesday night's loss to the Giants. But don't expect Taschner to make any meaningful appearances, and don't be surprised if he is DFA'd, when a 40-Man spot is needed for a more capable relief option.
Brett Myers pitched in consecutive games for Lehigh Valley, throwing scoreless innings on Tuesday and Wednesday. He needs to start facing MLB hitters, in order to evaluate him for a possible postseason role, as a reliever. An effective Myers could be a force in the seventh/eighth innings. Expect him to be activated this weekend, for the Houston series.
John Ennis was added to the 40-Man roster, and the 25-Man roster, and placed on the 15-Day DL. Brad Harman was designated for assignment, in order to open a spot for Ennis.
Harman had no future with the Phillies, due to his inability to hit.
Ennis probably doesn't have much a Phillies' future either, and is recovering from Tommy John surgery. He should be ready to pitch again around this time, in 2010. Why did the Phillies do this? Flexibility. As long as Ennis is on the DL, he can be replaced on the postseason roster by anyone in the organization on August 31st. So, one of the September callups would be eligible, as a result of this move.
Catcher Tim Gradoville was promoted to Lehigh Valley (AAA), from Reading (AA). Gradoville retired to begin his coaching career, but was activated as a player-coach for Reading. He served as backup catcher, appearing in two games, but not batting. It looks like he may reprise this role with Lehigh Valley, enabling Paul Hoover or Tuffy Gosewisch to be recalled to the parent club, as the third catcher. The veteran Hoover would seem the more likely candidate for an MLB bench role, with Gosewisch starting the majority of Lehigh Valley's remaining games.
Michael Schwimer was promoted to Reading (AA), from Clearwater (A). Schwimer was lights-out (12.3 K/9, 4.32 K/BB, 1.95 FIP) in Clearwater, and picked up two wins (in a doubleheader) on his first day as an R-Phil. He could really help Reading's bullpen, as they try to hold on to a playoff spot.
B.J. Rosenberg was placed on the temporary inactive list, so that he could participate in the World Cup. Any "World Cup" that includes Terry Tiffee and Cedrick Bowers probably isn't worth worrying about. Don't understand why the Phils didn't keep Rosenberg in Reading, to help with their playoff run.
Carlos Monasterios was promoted to Reading (AA), from Clearwater (A). Monasterios, one of the players acquired from the Yankees, in the Bobby Abreu/Cory Lidle trade, has been effective in A ball (7.79 K/9, 2.63 K/BB, 3.27 FIP). But, he is no Rosenberg.
After losing two consecutive games to the New Britain Rock Cats, the Reading Phillies fell into a tie with Erie, for the final playoff spot.
With games against the EL North's top two teams this week, New Britain and first place Connecticut, the R-Phils' playoff hopes are in trouble.
Reliever Chance Chapman will make a spot start for the R-Phils on Thursday. Chapman was an effective starter in 2008, with Lakewood (7.64 K/9, 3.19 K/BB, 2.95 FIP). He has been an effective reliever for Reading (8.24 K/9, 2.35 K/BB, 3.13 FIP), but his arm isn't stretched out. He'll, probably, be good for four innings. Don't understand why the R-Phils didn't recall a starter from Clearwater to make this start. They might make that recall, before the spot in the rotation comes around again.
Showing posts with label Chance Chapman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chance Chapman. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Bunts and Balks (8/2)
Pedro Martinez will make his third minor league rehab start, on Wednesday for the Reading Phillies (AA).
Martinez struggled in his second rehab start, last Friday (5 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 4 K). This will also keep Phillies' starter J.A. Happ in the parent club's rotation, at least for another turn.
Relievers J.C. Romero, Clay Condrey, and Chad Durbin are all progressing in their rehabs. First one available to return gets Kyle Kendrick's roster spot. The second one ready gets Tyler Walker's spot. Third place gets DFA'd. (Or takes Durbin's roster spot, so he can be DFA'd.) In summation, Walker and Durbin are the only ones getting DFA'd here. (At least untli Martinez is ready for promotion...)
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) had a 3-2 lead on Sunday, after seven innings. The bullpen failed, and the FeHogs lost to the Rochester Red Wings, 4-3.
Gustavo Chacin pitched well, permitting two runs, over seven innings (eight hits, two walks, two whiffs, one home run allowed). Gary Majewski allowed the Red Wings to tie the score in the eighth. Jack Taschner entered the tied game in the bottom of the ninth. One out, and three hits later, Rochester had a walkoff win. The highlight of the game was an outstanding defensive play: a fan caught a foul ball in his beer cup!
Recently-promoted backup catcher Kevin Nelson made his first AAA start, going 2 for 4, with a pair of doubles.
LHP Joe Savery will make his first AAA start on Monday night. (The parent club has an off day, so all fans should be tuning in to the IronPigs' internet broadcast!)
The Reading Phillies (AA) lost to the Erie Seawolves, 3-1.
Michael Galen Cisco made his first start, since his promotion from Clearwater (A), throwing six innings, but was mortally wounded by a fifth-inning two-run blast by Cale Iorg. (To recap, the grandson of Galen Cisco permitted a homer to Garth Iorg's son.) Cisco allowed three runs, on six hits, and two walks (five strikeouts). Chance Chapman (one whiff) and Scott Mathieson (two whiffs) each followed Cisco with a scoreless frame. Recently-promoted Dominic Brown, 0 for 3 in his AA debut on Saturday, was 2 for 4, with a pair of singles.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) fell to the Fort Myers Miracle, 5-2.
Starter Edgar Garcia surrendered two runs, on four hits and two walks (three whiffs), in four innings. Joe Bisenius followed with a scoreless inning (one hit, one walk/one strikeout). Steve Susdorf (.393) was 2 for 4, as was recently-demoted Gus Milner.
The top four Phillies' teams all lost. Not a good day.
Martinez struggled in his second rehab start, last Friday (5 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 4 K). This will also keep Phillies' starter J.A. Happ in the parent club's rotation, at least for another turn.
Relievers J.C. Romero, Clay Condrey, and Chad Durbin are all progressing in their rehabs. First one available to return gets Kyle Kendrick's roster spot. The second one ready gets Tyler Walker's spot. Third place gets DFA'd. (Or takes Durbin's roster spot, so he can be DFA'd.) In summation, Walker and Durbin are the only ones getting DFA'd here. (At least untli Martinez is ready for promotion...)
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) had a 3-2 lead on Sunday, after seven innings. The bullpen failed, and the FeHogs lost to the Rochester Red Wings, 4-3.
Gustavo Chacin pitched well, permitting two runs, over seven innings (eight hits, two walks, two whiffs, one home run allowed). Gary Majewski allowed the Red Wings to tie the score in the eighth. Jack Taschner entered the tied game in the bottom of the ninth. One out, and three hits later, Rochester had a walkoff win. The highlight of the game was an outstanding defensive play: a fan caught a foul ball in his beer cup!
Recently-promoted backup catcher Kevin Nelson made his first AAA start, going 2 for 4, with a pair of doubles.
LHP Joe Savery will make his first AAA start on Monday night. (The parent club has an off day, so all fans should be tuning in to the IronPigs' internet broadcast!)
The Reading Phillies (AA) lost to the Erie Seawolves, 3-1.
Michael Galen Cisco made his first start, since his promotion from Clearwater (A), throwing six innings, but was mortally wounded by a fifth-inning two-run blast by Cale Iorg. (To recap, the grandson of Galen Cisco permitted a homer to Garth Iorg's son.) Cisco allowed three runs, on six hits, and two walks (five strikeouts). Chance Chapman (one whiff) and Scott Mathieson (two whiffs) each followed Cisco with a scoreless frame. Recently-promoted Dominic Brown, 0 for 3 in his AA debut on Saturday, was 2 for 4, with a pair of singles.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) fell to the Fort Myers Miracle, 5-2.
Starter Edgar Garcia surrendered two runs, on four hits and two walks (three whiffs), in four innings. Joe Bisenius followed with a scoreless inning (one hit, one walk/one strikeout). Steve Susdorf (.393) was 2 for 4, as was recently-demoted Gus Milner.
The top four Phillies' teams all lost. Not a good day.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Bunts and Balks (7/31)
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) couldn't complete a comeback on Friday night, falling to the Columbus Clippers, 9-6. The FeHogs trailed 5-2, closed to 5-4, trailed 7-4, closed to 7-5, but the bullpen couldn't stop the Clips' offense. LV starter Pedro Martinez pitched like he is interested in competing with Chad Durbin, for a spot in the Phillies' bullpen. Martinez gave up a home run to the first batter he faced, followed with four scoreless innings, and then fell apart in the fifth. Martinez survived five innings, permitting three hits, five runs (four earned), and three walks/four whiffs. Martinez threw eighty-four pitches. The veteran northpaw has, probably, qualified for two additional starts in AAA.
Steven Register allowed two runs, on three hits, in the eighth inning. Pat Overholt surrendered two runs, on two hits and two walks, in the ninth inning.
IronPigs LF Michael Taylor was 2 for 4, with a homer, and three RBIs.
The Reading Phillies (AA) scored an incredible come-from-behind victory, defeating the Erie SeaWolves, 6-4, in ten innings. The R-Phils trailed 4-0, after five innings, but pulled to within 4-3, in the sixth inning. Quintin Berry hit a game-tying home run in the top of the ninth, and Brian Stavisky hit a tenth-inning homer.
Yohan Flande's start for the R-Phils did not go well, as he allowed four runs (three earned), in six and two-thirds innings (six hits, three walks/six whiffs). Chance Chapman relieved Flande in the sixth, stranding the bases loaded. Chapman pitched two and one-third scoreless innings (one walk/three whiffs), for his sixth victory, in seven decisions. Tyson Brummett pitched a scoreless bottom of the tenth, picking up the save, in his return to AA.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) fell to the Fort Myers Miracle, 6-1.
Threshers' starter Jon Velazquez struggled, surrendering three runs, on five hits and four walks (three strikeouts), in five and two-thirds innings. He left two runners on base in the sixth, but they were stranded by reliever Santo Hernandez. Unfortunately, Hernandez and Christopher Kissock would combine to permit three more runs.
The Threshers were held to six hits, going 1 for 11 w/RISP, and leaving nine on base. Steve Susdorf went 1 for 4; his batting average is down to .394.
Steven Register allowed two runs, on three hits, in the eighth inning. Pat Overholt surrendered two runs, on two hits and two walks, in the ninth inning.
IronPigs LF Michael Taylor was 2 for 4, with a homer, and three RBIs.
The Reading Phillies (AA) scored an incredible come-from-behind victory, defeating the Erie SeaWolves, 6-4, in ten innings. The R-Phils trailed 4-0, after five innings, but pulled to within 4-3, in the sixth inning. Quintin Berry hit a game-tying home run in the top of the ninth, and Brian Stavisky hit a tenth-inning homer.
Yohan Flande's start for the R-Phils did not go well, as he allowed four runs (three earned), in six and two-thirds innings (six hits, three walks/six whiffs). Chance Chapman relieved Flande in the sixth, stranding the bases loaded. Chapman pitched two and one-third scoreless innings (one walk/three whiffs), for his sixth victory, in seven decisions. Tyson Brummett pitched a scoreless bottom of the tenth, picking up the save, in his return to AA.
The Clearwater Threshers (A) fell to the Fort Myers Miracle, 6-1.
Threshers' starter Jon Velazquez struggled, surrendering three runs, on five hits and four walks (three strikeouts), in five and two-thirds innings. He left two runners on base in the sixth, but they were stranded by reliever Santo Hernandez. Unfortunately, Hernandez and Christopher Kissock would combine to permit three more runs.
The Threshers were held to six hits, going 1 for 11 w/RISP, and leaving nine on base. Steve Susdorf went 1 for 4; his batting average is down to .394.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Bunts and Balks (7/27)
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) fell to the Gwinnett Braves on Monday, 7-2.
The FeHogs were held scoreless (four hits/no walks) for the first four innings, by Tim Hudson. Not surprising. Meanwhile, Tyson Brummett surrendered six runs (five earned) on seven hits, in his four innings. Also, not surprising. The IronPigs went 0 for 7 w/RISP, stranding nine runners. Brummett's seventy-pitch outing helped get the weary and depleted Lehigh Valley staff through another game, with Gustavo Chacin and, presumably, Andrew Carpenter, ready to start the next two games.
The IronPigs activated IF Jason Donald from the Disabled List. OF Michael Spidale was assigned to Reading (AA), in order to open a roster spot. With an infield full of AAAA non-prospects, Donald should get some regular playing time for the FeHogs. Spidale batted .289 in AAA, but his OPS was only .674. He should help the R-Phils' offense, which has a Michael Taylor-sized void in it's lineup.
With Toronto Blue Jays scouts in attendance, top prospect Kyle Drabek had a strong outing, in a 4-3 victory over the Portland Sea Dogs. Drabek improved to 7-1, with a 3.06 ERA. The highly-touted southpaw pitched seven innings, allowing only two runs, on seven hits (zero walks/five strikeouts, one home run allowed). Chance Chapman pitched a scoreless ninth, picking up his first save.
The Clearwater Threshers (AA) won Sunday's suspended game over the St. Lucie Mets, 4-2. Dominic Brown went 2 for 4, including his tenth homer. Steve Susdorf was 2 for 3, improving his average to .397. Travis Cloyd pitched five and two-thirds innings, limiting the Mets to a pair of runs (seven hits, one walk/five strikeouts). Michael Schwimer followed with two scoreless frames, for his 12th save.
The Threshers completed their Monday sweep of the St. Lucie Mets, winning the seven-inning nightcap, 4-3. Dominic Brown was 2 for 2, with his second home run of the day, improving his average to .305. Steve Susdorf was 2 for 3, getting his average back over the .400 mark, at .403. Starter Edgar Garcia made his first appearance for the Threshers, pitching three innings, and allowing three hits (one walk/one strikeout). He was responsible for two runs, both of which scored after he left the game. (Garcia had been unavailable due to visa issues, which were resolved in the past week.) Scott Mathieson pitched two more scoreless innings, giving him seven flawless frames for the Threshers this season, and picked up his first save.
The FeHogs were held scoreless (four hits/no walks) for the first four innings, by Tim Hudson. Not surprising. Meanwhile, Tyson Brummett surrendered six runs (five earned) on seven hits, in his four innings. Also, not surprising. The IronPigs went 0 for 7 w/RISP, stranding nine runners. Brummett's seventy-pitch outing helped get the weary and depleted Lehigh Valley staff through another game, with Gustavo Chacin and, presumably, Andrew Carpenter, ready to start the next two games.
The IronPigs activated IF Jason Donald from the Disabled List. OF Michael Spidale was assigned to Reading (AA), in order to open a roster spot. With an infield full of AAAA non-prospects, Donald should get some regular playing time for the FeHogs. Spidale batted .289 in AAA, but his OPS was only .674. He should help the R-Phils' offense, which has a Michael Taylor-sized void in it's lineup.
With Toronto Blue Jays scouts in attendance, top prospect Kyle Drabek had a strong outing, in a 4-3 victory over the Portland Sea Dogs. Drabek improved to 7-1, with a 3.06 ERA. The highly-touted southpaw pitched seven innings, allowing only two runs, on seven hits (zero walks/five strikeouts, one home run allowed). Chance Chapman pitched a scoreless ninth, picking up his first save.
The Clearwater Threshers (AA) won Sunday's suspended game over the St. Lucie Mets, 4-2. Dominic Brown went 2 for 4, including his tenth homer. Steve Susdorf was 2 for 3, improving his average to .397. Travis Cloyd pitched five and two-thirds innings, limiting the Mets to a pair of runs (seven hits, one walk/five strikeouts). Michael Schwimer followed with two scoreless frames, for his 12th save.
The Threshers completed their Monday sweep of the St. Lucie Mets, winning the seven-inning nightcap, 4-3. Dominic Brown was 2 for 2, with his second home run of the day, improving his average to .305. Steve Susdorf was 2 for 3, getting his average back over the .400 mark, at .403. Starter Edgar Garcia made his first appearance for the Threshers, pitching three innings, and allowing three hits (one walk/one strikeout). He was responsible for two runs, both of which scored after he left the game. (Garcia had been unavailable due to visa issues, which were resolved in the past week.) Scott Mathieson pitched two more scoreless innings, giving him seven flawless frames for the Threshers this season, and picked up his first save.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Transaction Action (7/25)
The Roy Halladay Watch continues, as the Phillies (reportedly) turned down the Blue Jays' offer of Halladay for Kyle Drabek, J.A. Happ, and Dominic Brown. The Phillies, reportedly, countered by offering a combination of players, including Carlos Carrasco, Jason Donald, and Lou Marson. The Phillies seem to be averse to dealing Drabek and Brown, as they should be.
RHP Clay Condrey was placed on the 15-Day DL, as his left oblique issues have returned. RHP Steven Register was recalled from Lehigh Valley (AAA).
Condrey would likely be available only every third game, if he stayed on the roster, and pitched through the pain. Is it better to have Condrey available every third game, or Register available every other game? Probably the former, but the Phils have to get Condrey in Every-Day Clay condition for the playoff/postseason run.
Register has a 2.88 ERA, in 25 AAA innings. In his last ten appearances for the FeHogs, he has only allowed one run (charged to his own record), in thirteen innings. But he's been supported by a .288 BABIP, and a LOB% of 83.3. His FIP is an unsightly 4.16. Register is a minor league journeyman, and is not a viable long-term option. (Not exactly a viable short-term option, either.
RHP Andrew Carpenter was optioned to Lehigh Valley. RHP Kyle Kendrick was recalled from Lehigh Valley. Carpenter has been a starter all season, and threw a combined thirty-seven pitches, in appearing in consecutive games. He would, likely, have been unavailable to pitch on Saturday and Sunday. The Phillies needed an available arm, with Rodrigo Lopez and Jamie Moyer getting the weekend starts, so Kendrick replaced Carpenter.
The Phillies should try to use this "opportunity" to see if Kendrick (and his change-up) are MLB-ready. He might not be a fit for the Phils' rotation, but he could gain some trade value, if he can start to get some MLB hitters out.
Will Gary Majewski ever be recalled from AAA?
When he starts outpitching mediocre journeymen, like Stephen Register. In his last ten AAA appearances, Majewski has pitched twelve and one-third innings. He has surrendered fifteen hits, seven walks (nine strikeouts), and six earned runs. Not impressive.
Why wasn't Cedrick Bowers recalled from AAA, rather than Register? Bowers would have been my choice, over Register. He hasn't pitched since July 22, so he would have been available on Saturday and Sunday. He has struggled a bit in his last three appearances, allowing five hits, four runs, and three walks (two strikeouts) in three and two-thirds innings. Bowers also has a 1.99 ERA/3.55 FIP, though he has been helped by a low .260 BABIP/82.8 LOB%.
The current combination of Phillies' bullpenners is not very impressive. Chan Ho Park and Ryan Madson might be the only trusted members of the current bullpen crew. Scott Eyre is best-suited for a LOOGY role, and closer Brad Lidge has struggled for much of the season. Tyler Walker, Steven Register, and Kyle Kendrick? Yikes. At least there are plenty of options for low leverage situations, though Manager Charlie Manuel uses Madson in that role a bit too frequently.
On the plus side, it's only late July, and all of the top relievers are expected to return in a few weeks. Injured starter Brett Myers could also return as a reliever, late in the regular season. The Phils need their starters to eat some serious innings, over the next couple of weeks.
Is the MLB Network's "The Pen" to blame for the vast number of injuries to Phillies' relievers this season? Probably not. But it might be prudent to allow the Mets to star in MLBN's 2010 production of "The Infield."
RHP Alex Concepcion was promoted to Lehigh Valley, to fill one of the recently-created bullpen openings. Concepcion had a 3.16 ERA, and a .96 WHIP, in 62.2 AA innings for Reading. He also had a .239 BABIP, and a 4.43 FIP. He's been more lucky, than good.
Chance Chapman has had a 3.29 ERA, and a 3.31 FIP, in 27.1 AA innings. He would also have been a good choice for the promotion to AAA.
RHP Tristan Crawford was promoted to Reading (AA), to replace Concepcion. Crawford joined the Phillies organization on July 22nd, the northpaw's 27th birthday, and only spen two days with Clearwater (A). He is a bit old for the A/AA level. Crawford was sold to the Phillies by the Grand Prairie AirHogs (Independent Leagues). In 2008, he pitched at AA for Washington, posting a 5.40 ERA, in 35 innings. However, he was plagued by a .392 BABIP, and posted a 3.40 FIP. Definitely worth giving a chance in the minors.
Pedro Martinez will start for the Clearwater Threshers (A), in his first rehab start as a member of the Phillies. Martinez faces the St. Lucie Mets, in a 4:05pm start. Tune in!
RHP Clay Condrey was placed on the 15-Day DL, as his left oblique issues have returned. RHP Steven Register was recalled from Lehigh Valley (AAA).
Condrey would likely be available only every third game, if he stayed on the roster, and pitched through the pain. Is it better to have Condrey available every third game, or Register available every other game? Probably the former, but the Phils have to get Condrey in Every-Day Clay condition for the playoff/postseason run.
Register has a 2.88 ERA, in 25 AAA innings. In his last ten appearances for the FeHogs, he has only allowed one run (charged to his own record), in thirteen innings. But he's been supported by a .288 BABIP, and a LOB% of 83.3. His FIP is an unsightly 4.16. Register is a minor league journeyman, and is not a viable long-term option. (Not exactly a viable short-term option, either.
RHP Andrew Carpenter was optioned to Lehigh Valley. RHP Kyle Kendrick was recalled from Lehigh Valley. Carpenter has been a starter all season, and threw a combined thirty-seven pitches, in appearing in consecutive games. He would, likely, have been unavailable to pitch on Saturday and Sunday. The Phillies needed an available arm, with Rodrigo Lopez and Jamie Moyer getting the weekend starts, so Kendrick replaced Carpenter.
The Phillies should try to use this "opportunity" to see if Kendrick (and his change-up) are MLB-ready. He might not be a fit for the Phils' rotation, but he could gain some trade value, if he can start to get some MLB hitters out.
Will Gary Majewski ever be recalled from AAA?
When he starts outpitching mediocre journeymen, like Stephen Register. In his last ten AAA appearances, Majewski has pitched twelve and one-third innings. He has surrendered fifteen hits, seven walks (nine strikeouts), and six earned runs. Not impressive.
Why wasn't Cedrick Bowers recalled from AAA, rather than Register? Bowers would have been my choice, over Register. He hasn't pitched since July 22, so he would have been available on Saturday and Sunday. He has struggled a bit in his last three appearances, allowing five hits, four runs, and three walks (two strikeouts) in three and two-thirds innings. Bowers also has a 1.99 ERA/3.55 FIP, though he has been helped by a low .260 BABIP/82.8 LOB%.
The current combination of Phillies' bullpenners is not very impressive. Chan Ho Park and Ryan Madson might be the only trusted members of the current bullpen crew. Scott Eyre is best-suited for a LOOGY role, and closer Brad Lidge has struggled for much of the season. Tyler Walker, Steven Register, and Kyle Kendrick? Yikes. At least there are plenty of options for low leverage situations, though Manager Charlie Manuel uses Madson in that role a bit too frequently.
On the plus side, it's only late July, and all of the top relievers are expected to return in a few weeks. Injured starter Brett Myers could also return as a reliever, late in the regular season. The Phils need their starters to eat some serious innings, over the next couple of weeks.
Is the MLB Network's "The Pen" to blame for the vast number of injuries to Phillies' relievers this season? Probably not. But it might be prudent to allow the Mets to star in MLBN's 2010 production of "The Infield."
RHP Alex Concepcion was promoted to Lehigh Valley, to fill one of the recently-created bullpen openings. Concepcion had a 3.16 ERA, and a .96 WHIP, in 62.2 AA innings for Reading. He also had a .239 BABIP, and a 4.43 FIP. He's been more lucky, than good.
Chance Chapman has had a 3.29 ERA, and a 3.31 FIP, in 27.1 AA innings. He would also have been a good choice for the promotion to AAA.
RHP Tristan Crawford was promoted to Reading (AA), to replace Concepcion. Crawford joined the Phillies organization on July 22nd, the northpaw's 27th birthday, and only spen two days with Clearwater (A). He is a bit old for the A/AA level. Crawford was sold to the Phillies by the Grand Prairie AirHogs (Independent Leagues). In 2008, he pitched at AA for Washington, posting a 5.40 ERA, in 35 innings. However, he was plagued by a .392 BABIP, and posted a 3.40 FIP. Definitely worth giving a chance in the minors.
Pedro Martinez will start for the Clearwater Threshers (A), in his first rehab start as a member of the Phillies. Martinez faces the St. Lucie Mets, in a 4:05pm start. Tune in!
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