Philadelphia Phillies: Why the Team Should Keep Joe Blanton

If you’re unfamiliar with the Philadelphia Phillies 2011 pitching rotation, then chances are you’ve been living under a rock.

This off season the Phillies made one of the highest profile signings of the year. In December, Cliff Lee signed a $120 million contract to rejoin the team that he unwillingly left a few years earlier.

With this signing the Phillies have Lee, Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, and Roy Oswalt. A rotation so potent, that even though the season has yet to start, many already arguably compare them to the likes of the 1997 Braves and the 1948 Indians as the possible best of all time. This is understandable. Between the four are 3 Cy Young awards, a World Series MVP, and multiple All Star appearances. But history has yet to be written.

And the Phillies still don’t have a definite No. 5 Starter. After acquiring Lee, the Phillies shopped Joe Blanton around. This was done in an effort to lower an increasingly high team payroll. But keeping him around may prove worth while.

Blanton, who was with Philly when they became World Champs in 08, has been a durable pitcher throughout his career. He could easily be one of the best No. 5’s in the league.

Also, he adds depth to an already stacked pitching squad. With Blanton in the rotation, this leaves Kyle Kendrick in the bullpen as a long man.

Injuries may also occur. In the event of an injury to one of the “big four” Blanton’s presence could be that much more valuable.

Then there is always the prospect of what can happen past this upcoming season. Oswalt is only signed until the end of year with an option for 2012. And that possible option only comes into play if Oswalt decides to stay in baseball. Oswalt has mentioned before the possibility that he could retire following the 2011 season. Of course if the Phillies do anything close to what many predict, Oswalt’s decision may sway closer towards hanging around a little while longer.

In a recent interview with MLB.com, Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. stated that he expects Blanton to remain in a Phillies uniform. But Amaro also said, “Those things can change, obviously. It’s not etched in stone.”

His place on the team is currently uncertain.

Blanton is still with Philly and as the weeks go on it seems more and more likely he will be around come April. If he stays, the Phillies may benefit greatly.

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