With the season-long implosion of Brad Lidge, and Ryan Madsen's inability to pitch an inning after the 8th, news from Reading about Brett Myers' performance last night has got to have the coaching staff talking about a possible change.
Recovering from June 4 surgery to repair a torn labrum in his hip, Myers made his third rehab appearance last night. Pitching at Double A Reading, he worked the seventh and eighth innings and blew through the Erie Seawolves' lineup: no hits, no runs, one walk, five strikeouts.
He needed just 24 pitches, 17 of them strikes. In his second inning he struck out the side on just 11 pitches. According to the most reliable radar-gun readings, his fastball topped out at 92 and was routinely at 91.
I have to admit, I'm still a little skeptical about Myers' ability to step right into a big league game and revert back to his old form. He's been out of the game for three months now, and striking out five AA bums from Erie is a lot different than striking out Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday. With that said, however, it's certainly worth giving him a shot at this point. Brad Lidge has shown no signs of turning it around, and the Phils don't have any other options to speak of. If he can give them anything resembling a major league closer it will better than what we've been getting for the last four months. I'd welcome his return.
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I have no problem giving Myers a shot either. That is a good sign that he his throwing strikes and getting people out. With the time off he would have to ease his way into the closers role though. I mean it is definitely worth a shot. We all saw last night that Madsen cannot get the job done in the 9th. I mean why not plug Myers in there?
ReplyDeleteAgree that it is worth a shot and agree that he will have to earn it by getting guys out in earlier innings first. What is the timetable for Myers to return?
ReplyDeleteI think that there is necessarily a timetable set for his return. For one he has to prove that he is not injured and is 100%. For two he has to be effective with his pitches, and make sure that his mechanics are corrected. He has been off for a long time. I am sure that there are a lot of things that are out of sinc with his delivery.
ReplyDeleteI think at this point in the season there is no need to rush him back. The bull pen is pretty good right now. (with the exception of Lidge) Looking ahead though, you definitely want him to get back to the bigs so he can face some hitters. He needs to get some real innings so we can rely on him come playoff time. One thing that has always been s concern with Myers though is you are never sure what you are going to get out of Myers. He is like Dr. Jeckle and Mr. Hide.
Is he a better fit than Lidge? I doubt it, but its definitely worth trying it out. Ultimately I see Myers as a 7th inning guy in the playoffs. Lidge will be our closer going into the playoffs.
I meant to say I dont think that there is necessarily a timetable for his return.
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