Brett Myers in the Middle of a Phillies Postseason Push Yet Again
For a team to do what the Phillies have done in the last three seasons, it goes without saying that the list of players to come up big along the way is going to be, as Goose would say, long, but distinguished.
Cole Hamels, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, and Jimmy Rollins might headline the list, but it’s safe to say there are plenty of other role-players (Victorino, Ruiz), relievers, (Madson, Lidge), and even bench players (Matt Stairs), who won’t be paying for a drink in Philadelphia anytime soon.
And despite being in the middle of the drama as much, if not more than any other Phillie over the last three seasons, the man who takes the mound at Citizens Bank Park tonight seems on his way to becoming a mere footnote in Phillies history, and undeservedly so.
And no, I’m not talking about Joe Blanton, the man with the 5.46 era. I’m talking about the Astros’ new ace, Brett Myers.
Ask the average fan about Brett Myers and they will most likely bring up either his 2006 arrest for assault, or his now hilarious verbal beatdown of Inquirer writer Sam Carchidi after a loss in 2007. What people don’t remember is that he won more than 70 games for the Phillies, started twice on Opening Day, and was a clubhouse leader for the better part of a decade.
And then there’s this: The Phillies would have almost certainly missed the playoffs in ’07, and possibly in ’08, if Myers doesn’t put the team on his back. Don’t believe me? Check out these beauties…
2007: With the bullpen decimated by injuries, Myers gives up his spot in the starting rotation to take over the closer role, something he’s never done before by the way, and records 21 saves with an ERA under three, as the Phillies win the division on the final day of the year.
2008: After a slow start that includes a demotion to Triple-A in July, Myers comes back to the majors with the team trailing in both the Division and Wild Card races to finish the second half with a 7-2 record and a 1.80 ERA. In the playoffs Myers wins two games, and just for good measure drives in three runs during Game 1 of the NLCS.
Not too shabby for a guy whose biggest claim to fame is calling Carchidi a “retard”, is it?
It’s impossible to say how the last three seasons play out without Myers in the fold. Maybe the Mets were destined to collapse in ’07, and maybe the Phillies still would have gotten hot at the right time in 2008.
What I do know is that the final out of the 2008 World Series is far and away my favorite memory as a sports fan. If I had to pick a second, it’s probably Brett Myers striking out Wily Mo Pena to clinch the division in 2007.
Maybe those two moments aren’t related, but something tells me they are. And next time I see Brett Myers, you better believe the drinks will be on me.
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