2010 Phillies: Roy Halladay’s Workload a Cause for Concern

 

Back in December, the Phillies traded for Roy Halladay and promptly signed him to a three year, $60 million dollar contract. They were willing to make the commitment to the 32-year-old ace because of his track record as a dominant pitcher who takes pride in spending as much time on the mound as some of the greats from an earlier era.

The first eight months of Halladay’s tenure with the Phillies have only confirmed his reputation as an old-school workhorse.

In 23 starts this year, Halladay has thrown a major league leading 178 innings (that’s an average of 7.2 innings per start). As already highlighted, this is not unusual for the Phillies ace. He led the majors in innings pitched in 2009, was second in 2008, and third in 2007.

It’s where he could be headed by season’s end that is a bit frightening.

With 54 games remaining, Roy should take the mound 11 more times before the end of the regular season. Based on his average innings pitched, this could add 85 more innings to his season total. That would bring his total innings pitched for the regular season to 263 (very likely the highest total in majors yet again).

How would that compare to the highest season totals of his career?

It would be the second highest number of innings he has pitched in his 12 years as a professional. In 2003, Roy tossed a whopping 266 innings on his way to a 22-win season and the Cy Young Award.

What followed that glorious season is what may hold the most relevance for his current team. The 2004 season saw Halladay experience physical breakdowns. He only managed 133 innings while encountering two stints on the disabled list with shoulder problems.

Back in the present day, the Phillies are starting to look like a team capable of making another deep playoff run. When they finally overcome the rash of injuries that have plagued them this summer, it would be hard to envision them not reaching the World Series in a league whose biggest threats are the Braves, Giants, and Reds.

For Roy Halladay, a World Series trip could mean an extra five to seven starts (one or two in a division series, two in the NLCS, two to three in the World Series). If we use a conservative estimate of seven innings per start, this would result in an extra 35-49 innings that were never a factor for Halladay as his former Blue Jay teams began their offseasons well before October each year.

If you’ve been working ahead, these added postseason innings would leave the big fella with a total of somewhere between 298 and 312 innings for the 2010 season.

To put these numbers into perspective, it has been 30 years since a major league pitcher registered 300 innings (Here’s a hint: he also wore Phillies pinstripes, but was a Cy-Young winning leftie for the 1980 World Series champs).

Clearly, we are witnessing a season that would be extraordinary for a pitcher working in the era of conservative workloads for starters. However, one needs to look no further than the Phillies current third starter for a cautionary tale.

In 2008, Cole Hamels befuddled opposing hitters on his way to a World Series MVP, and a career-high 262.1 innings. This total was 79 innings more than he had ever thrown in a season, and the resulting hangover from this overtime schedule led to a very disappointing encore performance. In 2009, Hamels posted the worst record (10-11) and ERA (4.32) of his five-year Major League career. Moreover, his 7.58 playoff ERA could be viewed as one of the main reasons the Phillies did not repeat as World Champs.

So, while the Phillies acquired Roy Halladay for his dependability, they also chose him over Cliff Lee because they knew he would be topping their rotation for at least another three years.

The Phillies long-term commitment to Halladay necessitates that they do not treat him like a three-month rental of the CC Sabathia variety. If you remember, the Milwaukee Brewers called on Sabathia for long innings and short rest throughout the stretch run of the 2008 season because they knew he was a summer rental whose arm would soon be the property of someone else (as long as it was still attached to his body).

Although Charlie Manuel and Rich Dubee are surely not looking for advice in the handling of their pitching staff, I will provide it anyway.

When it comes to Roy Halladay, respect him as an ace and as one of the best in the business, but don’t be so quick defer to his desire to close out games. The perfect example of this tendency was last week’s start against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Phillies held a 7-0 lead going into the ninth, and Halladay’s pitch count was already in the triple digits. While another complete game and shutout would have been great for Halladay‘s resume, the win was no longer in doubt and there was an opportunity to save his arm from throwing another inning (and the 10 extra pitches that brought his total for the night to 114).

The Phillies bullpen can be a scary proposition sometimes, but this was a lead that even Danys Baez or David Herndon couldn’t give away.

The 2010 Phillies are clearly built to win now, and that is exactly what Phillies fans want. Fans can also be excited about having Halladay, Oswalt, and Hamels for at least another year. The health and effectiveness of this trio could hinge on whether or not they are handled intelligently.

To some extent, the current season’s hay is in the barn when it comes to taking care of Halladay’s golden right arm, but Phillies fans can still hope that Charlie Manuel and Rich Dubee find ways to ease the workload of the big guy when the opportunities arise during the season‘s final three months. Their 2011 and 2012 plans could very much depend on it.

 

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

Despite Injuries, Philadelphia Phillies Are Potentially the Best Yet

Thus far, the 2010 season has been a ride of misfortune for the Philadelphia Phillies. It has been the baseball equivalent of getting out on the wrong side of bed in the morning.  

With a seemingly unending stream of injuries that have depleted the team from opening day, this season surely has not played out as the team’s brain trust intended or baseball pundits projected. 

 

Only two of the Phillies’ five starting pitchers at season’s outset have taken their turn all season long— Roy Halladay and Cole Hamels. Joe Blanton, JA Happ, and now Jamie Moyer all have resided on the Disabled List for extended periods of time. 

 

Every member of the National League’s most formidable infield have done the same, with All-Stars Chase Utley and Ryan Howard currently nursing injuries. Earlier in the year, of course, Gold Glove shortstop and offensive catalyst Jimmy Rollins made dual tours of duty on the DL. 

 

And, that’s not all.

 

Regular catcher Carlos Ruiz and center fielder Shane Victorino, along with relievers Brad Lidge, Ryan Madson, and Chad Durbin have all been shut down. Also, based on performance trends, it seems probable that Raul Ibanez played his way back to full health after offseason surgery. 

 

It has all transpired like a heart pounding anxiety attack that might awaken Ruben Amaro or Charlie Manuel in the middle of the night, except it’s not a nightmare— it’s real.  

 

What’s a Manager to do? What’s a General Manager to do? 

 

Perhaps exactly what they have done through this challenging, Rubik’s Cube of a season. 

 

Both Amaro and Manuel have kept a sense of calm that spills over to the players in the clubhouse. 

 

Although many questioned whether the team possessed a false sense of security or even a general malaise induced by previous success, players and their leaders refrained from tossing out lifeboats. All maintained an outward sense of confidence and optimism that things would turn, especially as key players returned to the field.  

 

To his credit, Manuel acknowledged the injury situation, but never bemoaned it. Instead, he used the full roster and whatever reinforcements could be pulled from the farm system below. 

 

The skipper’s patience and belief in his entire roster is now paying dividends. 

 

Supporting role players such as Kyle Kendrick, Wilson Valdez, Ben Francisco, Ross Gload, Brian Schneider and Jose Contreras have performed admirably in the absence of their higher profile teammates. 

 

And let’s not forget Ibanez, who just may not be over the hill after all. The 38-year old left fielder has seemed to find his stroke—better late than never—and is currently playing a starring role in the middle of the lineup. The rejuvenated player even seems a couple steps faster. 

 

Most importantly, it’s all now translating into wins. Suddenly the Atlanta Braves feel the figurative hot breath of the Phillies on the back of their necks—a two game lead with two months to go is not the same comfort zone they experienced just a couple weeks prior. 

 

As for Amaro, and the rest of the Phillies brass, they have stepped up as well rather than bale on the season. They have also responded admirably to the adversity that has been dealt (and perhaps somewhat induced with the now infamous winter trade) through a series of moves that seem to put the team in position for another World Series run. 

 

First, the team’s resolve to hang onto prized prospect Dominic Brown is paying rewards. The five tool right fielder has helped provide a much needed boost to the lineup—and frozen ropes to nail runners at the plate never hurt either. 

 

Then, against odds, Amaro landed baseball’s other ace righty hurler named Roy to give the Phillies book ends around locked-in lefty Cole Hamels. With Kendrick and Blanton trending well, the rotation looks poised to lead the way, especially with a patchwork lineup for the foreseeable future.

 

Although his rocky debut dropped his record to 6-13, “I Gotta Feeling” that Oswalt isn’t going to end the season with a losing record. He has a made a career out of being a strong closer, and the adrenaline of a pennant race will provide a wondrous boost.  

 

And it is no small thing that Oswalt joins a club with Werth still wearing the same red pinstripes. 

 

Wednesday, Amaro may have pulled off another much quieter, but substantial coup when he acquired first baseman Mike Sweeney from the Seattle Mariners. If he can remain healthy, the veteran slugger will definitely add juice to the lineup while Howard mends. 

 

When the “Big Piece” returns, Sweeney will cast the type of strategy altering shadow out of the dugout like that provided by Matt Stairs in 2008. And all reports suggest that he is the type of upbeat personality to perfectly mesh with the team’s already great clubhouse chemistry.  

 

The fact that he swings from the right side of the plate provides some additional leeway to play Brown. Sweeney’s presence should also serve to diffuse some the pressure that Jayson Werth could be feeling to make up for the brown-out associated with the loss of Howard, Utley, and Victorino. 

 

Amaro and key adviser Pat Gillick are aptly proving that it pays to maintain friends around the league. 

 

The main area of concern revolves around the bullpen—and specifically closer Brad Lidge. Almost two years of adventure tends to do that to even the most optimistic managers and fans. 

 

Surely the concerns are valid with Lidge’s diminished fastball, sporadic command, and high wire finishes. On the plus side, the former “Lights Out” hurler has put together three solid outings after his well publicized meltdown in Washington. 

 

Should Lidge fail to find his mojo, Contreras is still flashing closer stuff with his heavy fastball. And, who knows, maybe Madson can finally get over the hump to become a viable closer option? Or, there’s always Scott Mathieson down on the farm dealing high heat. 

 

Where this all leads is to a potentially very rosy picture for this troubled season to date. Oddly enough, this club has the potential of being the best yet when the games increase in urgency and importance. 

 

The return of Howard, Utley, and Victorino along with the addition of new cast mates such as Oswalt, Brown, and Sweeney creates the very real potential to provide more high drama when the leaves turn colors in the “City of Brotherly Love.” 

 

The challenges that come with a rash of injuries can often turn into advantages. Players such as Greg Dobbs, Francisco, Gload, Schneider, and Valdez have gained the opportunity to hone their skills while the regulars sit on the sidelines—which translates into a stronger, more productive bench down the road. 

 

The team needs to keep grinding out wins while not at full force to stay within striking distance, but this team has all the makings of being a beast down the stretch and in the postseason. 

 

And considering the tremendous struggle this season has been, it could possibly be the most satisfying as well. 

 

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

Carlos Ruiz Homer, Umpire’s Bad Call Help Phillies Sweep the Marlins

Roy Oswalt pitched a lot better in his second time around as a Phillie, going six innings and giving up two earned runs on his way to a no-decision.

But that’s not the story of the game that cinched a series sweep for the Phillies over the Marlins.

After the Phillies gave up a four-run seventh inning, all looked lost heading into the ninth down by two runs. But, after a few clutch knocks by the red-hot Raul Ibanez and Jayson Werth, the game was tied heading into extras.

And once in extras, it didn’t take long for the Phils to break the tie.

Carlos Ruiz led off the inning by belting a home run over the left field wall on a 3-2 count to put the Phils up by one. They put runners in scoring position with no one out, but the Marlins did a good job of limiting the damage and the Phils’ defense took the field with a one-run lead in the bottom of the tenth.

Brad Lidge came out, took care of business, earned the save, and the Phils completed their sweep of the Marlins.

However, to the delight of Phillies fans and horror of Marlins fans, the outcome should have been much different.

In the bottom of the ninth, the Marlins had Hanley Ramirez on second, one out, and Gaby Sanchez at the plate. Sanchez ripped a Ryan Madson pitch down the third-base line, but the ball was ruled foul and Sanchez would later strike out.

But upon further review, it’s clear the wrong call was made.

On the replay, you can very clearly see the ball ride the line, hop over the bag, and actually land in fair territory before bouncing in the corner in left field. The ball even kicks up a little cloud of dirt where it lands, so there’s no doubt it should have been a fair ball.

The third-base ump saw things differently, the Marlins were robbed of a walk-off hit, and the Phillies would go on to extend their record to 60-48 and stay two games behind the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves.

It’s definitely good to see things starting to bounce the Phillies’ way at this point in the season, but it’s got to be a bit alarming that another obvious call is blown.

The Jim Joyce call got extra attention because it robbed Armando Galarraga of a perfect game, but this call was just as bad or, if you’re a Marlins fan, coach, or player, possibly worse.

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

Not So Fast: Five Reasons Why The Phillies Will Make The Postseason

Just a few weeks ago I was reading articles on why the Phillies season was done. Now, they were very well written, but the authors seemed to be jumping the gun on the Phillies’ season. The Phillies seem to be bouncing back even with their injury ridden lineup, winning eight of their last ten games.

Now only two games behind the Atlanta Braves, who appear to be in quite a slump, going four and six in there last 10 games, and not showing too many signs of improvement.

These are five reasons why the Phillies will make yet another post-season appearance.

Begin Slideshow

Philadelphia Phillies Add Depth With Veteran Mike Sweeney

(Philadelphia, PA) – With Ryan Howard on the 15-day disabled list and the Phillies still without a viable right handed bat off the bench general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. made a move yesterday acquiring veteran Mike Sweeney from the Seattle Mariners.

The Phillies acquired Sweeney for a player-to-be named or cash consideration, the teams have yet to agree, and Sweeney will fill in at first base until Howard returns from the DL.

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel seemed pleased with the deal telling reporters. “He can hit…and help us right now”.

Sweeney, 37, is in his 16th season in the majors and is hitting .263 with six home runs and 18 RBI in 30 games. He has been on the disabled list with back spasms but was removed upon the trade to Philadephia.

In his last rehab start for Triple-A Tacoma last night he hit two home runs and had four RBI.

This is a smart move for the Phillies as they make their push towards the playoffs because they gave up very little and added veteran depth to their bench. Sweeney will add something the Phillies have lacked at times this season, the ability to hit with runners in scoring position. (.313 10-for-32).

Sweeney spent the first 13 years of his career with the Kansas City Royals, after he was drafted in the 10th round by KC in 1991, and was a five-time all start at first base. He spent a year in Oakland before joining the Mariners in 2007.

The team expects the newest Phillie to be in tonight’s lineup against the Florida Marlins. Roy Oswalt is scheduled to take on Chris Volstad, game-time is 7:05.

Complete Phillies Coverge on Eternal Mulligan or on Twitter.

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

Philadelphia Phillies Acquire Mike Sweeney

Yesterday I wrote that it wouldn’t surprise me to see the Philadelphia Phillies go out and acquire a first baseman if they thought Ryan Howard would be out longer than 15 days. I thought they would go out and get a player like Mike Lowell, Adam LaRoche, or Casey Kotchman.

Well, the Phillies didn’t acquire any of those guys or Kotchman, but they acquired Kotchman’s teammate. The Phillies acquired 1B/DH Mike Sweeney from the Seattle Mariners yesterday for a player to be named later or cash considerations.

Sweeney had a .267/.327/.425 hitting line with the Mariners with seven HR’s. Sweeney is far removed from his offensive glory days with the Kansas City Royals, but should be a decent option every now and then for Charlie Manuel’s club over the next 15 days.

Whether you think Sweeney is going to help the Phillies or not, what this move represents is the Phillies doing whatever it takes to win. If they need something, they go out and get it.

Unlike the New York Mets, if the Phillies have a need, they do whatever it takes to fill it.

They have moved into the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox category of World Series or bust every year.

 

NOTE: The reason Sweeney could be traded was because he passed through waivers.

You can follow The Ghost of Moonlight Graham on Twitter @theghostofmlg

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

Could Domonic Brown Start for the Philadelphia Phillies Next Season?

Once Shane Victorino hit the DL, everyone knew it would finally be time to call up the minor league phenom, Domonic Brown. But what no one knew is just how ready he actually was to make an impact in the majors.

Brown, who seemingly did most of his damage in the minors with his long ball, is making his presence felt for the Phillies by doing all the little things. His fielding has been very good and his knack for getting a hit in a clutch situation has been outstanding.

Whether it’s a hard single or a fly ball just deep enough for the sac fly, or his beautiful throw from right field to nail Gaby Sanchez at home on Wednesday night, Brown has been very impressive during his short time with the Phillies.

In fact, if Brown can keep this up, the Phils might have to find a way to keep him on the major league roster, even once Victorino is ready to come back.

It’s going to be tough with the activation of Victorino, Ryan Howard, and the recently-acquired Mike Sweeney, but it might be worth the roster shuffle to keep the kid in the bigs.

With Jayson Werth likely jumping ship in the offseason, Brown is going to see regular time in Philadelphia sooner rather than later, so getting him the experience this year could pay off in years to come.

But even if Brown is able to stay on the hot streak he’s on, I still don’t see him as a viable replacement for Werth next season because he’s left-handed. However, he would be a perfect replacement for Raul Ibanez…in the lineup, and in the field.

If I have noticed that, and some of the fans have noticed that, then it’s likely the Phillies have noticed that and could make such a transition possible this offseason.

Either way, it looks like this kid belongs as a starter in the near future. He can read pitchers, he can run the bases, he can hit in the clutch, he can make plays in the field, and he can do everything else that a starter needs to do.

The one thing we’re not sure of (yet) is whether he can do it consistently. But, they’ll never know unless they give him a shot.

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

Why Jayson Isn’t Werth a Mega Contract

When free agency begins, many Phillies fans will be interested in what happens to outfielder Jayson Werth. Werth has been a key bat in the Phillies’ lineup and a very good defensive outfielder for years now. He is in his contract year.

Many teams will be interested in Werth, and for good reason. In his career in Philadelphia, Jayson has hit .283, with 83 homers, and 271 RBI. While those stats look great on paper, there is more than meets the eye.

Since coming to Philly, he has hit behind some of the best hitters in the game. He has been featured in the same lineup as Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, and Ryan Howard. The three of them have combined for 11 all star appearances, six silver sluggers, and two MVPs. He is in pretty good company.

Werth has never been “The Guy.” He simply has never had to be. He has had the luxury of playing with Hall of Fame-caliber players. He has been a very, very good player, but he’s never had to carry a team on his back. That should be a cause for concern for certain teams.

The worst situation would be this: a non-contender signs Werth to a huge contract, expecting him to be their superstar. He won’t be able to do that. Jayson needs other players around him for him to play the best baseball he can.

The Phillies are in a pretty tough situation with him. He is a very important player to them, but he won’t be worth the money he will demand. And the Fightins do have Domonic Brown, who they plan to have patrolling right field for years to come. Brown has looked pretty good in his first few games. It just doesn’t seem very likely that Jayson will be with the Phillies in 2011. 

Jayson’s free agent experience will end in one of two ways, either a key asset to a contender, or a disaster to a bad team. It would be in his best interest to stay with the Phils, but chances are he will go for the money and leave Philadelphia.

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

Krystle Campbell: Meet Ryan Howard’s Hooky Playing WAG

“Everybody needs a little time away,” I heard her say, “from each other.” “Even lover’s need a holiday far away from each other.”

Those are some of the lyrics from “Hard to say I’m Sorry,” a nice soft rock song from Chicago. It came on the radio right after I heard the news that a certain young lady didn’t want a holiday from her man.That would be Krystle Campbell, Eagles Cheerleader, and Ryan Howard’s WAG.

She is making headlines today, but not for getting the Eagles ready for the season. See, Ms. Campbell played hooky from practice to be with her injured beau.And that got a lot of her fellow pom pom wielding teammates quite upset.

By the way, she’s the one on the far left.

Begin Slideshow

Kevin Youkilis, Ryan Howard Hit The DL

It seems now that the Steroid Era is almost officially behind us the game of baseball has turned into a game of attrition. Much like football and hockey, only the healthy will survive.

Two of the teams that have been hit the most by injuries—the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies—got hit even harder on Monday when both teams lost their All-Star first basemen.

 

First the Red Sox lost Kevin Youkilis to a thumb injury. Boston placed the 31-year-old on the 15-day DL with a torn right thumb muscle.

Youkilis was hitting .307 with 19 HR’s, and a .975 slugging percentage in 102 games for the Red Sox. With the Red Sox 6.5 games behind the New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East, losing Youkilis might be too much for them to overcome.

To replace Youkilis, look for the Red Sox to use Victor Martinez at first and put Kevin Cash behind the plate. On the days that Martinez is catching, look for the Red Sox to use Mike Lowell at first. Yes, Mike Lowell is still alive.

The Phillies suffered an equally similar blow when they had to place Ryan Howard on the 15-day DL with a sprained left ankle. When Howard first got hurt, I thought he had hurt his knee, but apparently it was the ankle.

Howard is having another stellar season putting up a .292/.356/.528 hitting line with 23 HR’s. The Phillies are already without Chase Utley and Shane Victorino, so losing Howard is adding insult to injury.

The Phillies were three games behind Atlanta in the NL East and 3.5 games behind the San Francisco Giants in the Wild Card standings going into last night, iff they can somehow stay within striking distance through the month of August, they still could possibly steal a playoff spot in September.

I will never count out the Phillies until they are officially eliminated. They are too good to be an afterthought.

I also wouldn’t put it past the Phillies to go out an acquire a first baseman if they think Howard will be out longer than 15 days. Right now, Howard’s replacement seem to be Ross Gload or Cody Ransom. That’s terrible.

Players who figure to be waiver candidates that might make sense for the Phillies would be guys like Casey Kotchman, Adam LaRoche, or the above mentioned Mike Lowell.

You can follow The Ghost of Moonlight Graham on Twitter @ theghostofmlg

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

« Previous Page — Next Page »