On Doc Halladay, Roy Oswalt, Ryan Howard, Injuries, and the Phillies
05/31/2012
Are you honestly shocked? |
With that in mind, I want to touch on a couple of thoughts of mine right now about this team.
- Roy Halladay- Well, now Rich Dubee says he's not shocked. Real surprising from this organization, right? It was obvious in hindsight. Halladay's velocity was down in spring training, then it came up in the season, but his command went to hell a few times (Atlanta, the Nationals game, and this last start jump out). He was compensating on his velocity and giving up some command. I know he's 35, but it was obvious that this wasn't just drop-off from aging. I'm glad he is getting a second opinion, and hopefully this team can stay afloat for six to eight more weeks. I also hope they let him heal as much as possible. With that said, I'm concerned. I'm not concerned about Worley replacing the version of Halladay that we had this year. I'm concerned about Worley off an injury replacing a lesser Doc, and this team relying on Kendrick and Blanton. With that said, if this team can stay close until he's back, I think the division is well within reach.
- Roy Oswalt- Yes, I know, "why didn't we sign him?" Because he got $5-6 million guaranteed. He's not worth that to us, at the luxury tax, a little over .500. Texas can take that risk in their position. I don't think it makes them any more of a favorite than they were, but good move. I'm glad we passed, ultimately. I'd have been ok with signing him though too.
- Ryan Howard- He's out for June now it sounds like. Ruben says don't expect him. Honestly, having not started or even announced a rehab assignment yet, this isn't shocking, though I did expect him back in June.
- Utley and other injuries- Obviously Utley won't be back soon, Mini-Mart isn't doing anything yet, Nix says he'll be a while, and not much else is on the verge. I think it's fair to guess that Vance Worley is back soon, and Jim Thome is probably next after him. Honestly, I'm mostly concerned that Nix and Thome are around for the stretch run, and I'm concerned primarily with Utley and Worley. Chase is well behind last year, and that is cause for concern. I'd expect him later in June at best, and even then, is last year's Chase better than Galvis now? Ponder that for a second. Vance Worley is totally necessary though. If this team can survive June and no Halladay, Howard, or Utley, Worley has to step up next to Lee and Hamels. I have high hopes.
- Three with Miami (second place)
- Four with Los Angeles (best record in the NL)
- Three @ Baltimore (leading the AL East)
- Three @ Minnesota (so far, awful)
- Three @ Toronto (half game better than us)
- Three with Colorado (They're really bad so far)
- Three with Tampa (Also leading the AL East)
- Four with the Pirates (the pain in our @$$ is three out in the central)
- Finish up @Miami
Why are the Phillies relying on Howard and Utley? They aren't the team. Sure, they contribute a lot but the rest of the team needs to step up. Especially their starting pitchers. Blanton can't pitch. Lee certainly isn't earning the $20+ million he's getting paid this year. The bullpen is finally coming around. Galvis has come a long way since day one. I will be very surprised if he is sent down after Utley comes back.
Posted by: MadDawg | 05/31/2012 at 10:10 AM