Rock Stars and Tanks
Posted By: J Stump
Posted: 8/10/2008 8:24:32 PM
So, two days after Joe Blanton throws a 7 inning - 1 hitter and the Phils lose, we're on a two game winning streak. It's nice to see them bounce back, let's hope they sustain and play consistently well.
Brett Myers pitched a very good game on Saturday, his third in a row, but of course the story isn't about Brett's game as much as it is his head. He threw a tantrum on being taken out of the game visibly cursing out Manuel as he was getting pulled, and then having more words in a direct confrontation with Charlie in the dugout. I've got mixed feelings about Myers mini-meltdown. On one hand, it's better to have a pitcher that wants the ball and wants to go the distance than a guy who's looking to put in minimum work and pass the buck, on the other hand, it's pretty inexcusable to react in that manner to your boss, whatever profession you are. Myers has said in the past he liked the closers' role because he felt like a rock star...well Myers, you're not a rock star, and if you don't grow up real soon I wouldn't be upset to see your mental midget temper shipped out of town. Think about it, if Jamie Moyer weren't here this year, or say, isn't here next year, Myers should be the veteran leader of the Phillies rotation. Who in the world wants Hamels and Kendrick, or Carlos Carrasco and JA Happ learning anything from Brett Myers at this point?
Speaking of Moyer though, it looks like we're not going to have to worry about next year without "Tank". Fellow bloggers We Should Be GM's has a quote from Moyer saying that he'll be back next year, and pitching until he's 50 is not entirely out of the question. Good for Jamie, and if he maintains his current record, great for the Phillies. He was the only Phillies starter last year to not miss a start, and he's been just as good this year at eating innings and keeping his team in the game. He'll never be mentioned in a Cy Young race, but at his age, he truly has been something special for the Phillies, an invaluable piece. Today Moyer pitched another solid start, and didn't get the win, but did contribute by hustling out a sacrifice bunt and winding up on third base on the same play thanks to 2 Pirate errors. Jamie even took out the first base umpire as he chugged around first after the first throw away. I think between the innings eating and the umpire splatting, Tank is a great new nickname for the old fella.
| Brett Myers |
| Jamie Moyer |
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