Orangeliners » J.A. Happ

Happ to the bullpen? Are you kidding me?

Speener — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 02:18:26 +0000

How do you take J.A. Happ out of the rotation? He hasn’t pitched poorly all year and tonight was just lights out. Charlie Manuel said the only way he could have done better was the throw a no-hitter. Let me state this right now – J.A. Happ needs to stay in the rotation. How do you take Happ who is 8-2 out of the rotation with an ERA of 2.74 and a WHIP of 1.12 and keep in Jamie Moyer (10-8, 5.55, 1.47)?

Add to the mix that Pedro Martinez struck out 11 in 6 innings and while he gave up 3 runs, looked like a guy that could help this team now. I don’t know how you do it, but if there is a 5 man rotation, it should be Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton, J.A. Happ, and Pedro Martinez.

Another thing – I really think if the Blue Jays had said they’d take either Happ or Kyle Drabek instead of both, that deal could have been made. They must be kicking themselves.

I don’t envy Charlie Manuel, Ruben Amaro Jr., and Rich Dubee – but they better get this right.

Maybe the Phils should let Roy Halladay get away

Speener — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:37:21 +0000

I’ve been rethinking the Philies possible acquisition of Roy Halladay. By all accounts, it will take a lot of good talent to get Halladay. And being one of the best pitchers available, it might be worth the risk. But as J.A. Happ continues to make a case for Rookie of the Year honors, you have to wonder if keeping Happ, and finding another, less expensive option would make more sense. In today’s Inquirer, Phillies beat reporter David Murphy discussed the options of going after Dan Haren of the Diamondbacks or Cliff Lee of the Indians. Either would be less expensive (in terms of prospects), younger, and in contract for longer. The other issue with trading J.A. Happ is that it assumes that Martinez fills the 5th spot well. If he doesn’t, then even with Halladay – we still have a problem at 5.

Of course the Phillies are not thinking of that 5th spot and the rest of the season if they trade for Halladay – they’re thinking of the playoffs and having a Cole Hamels/Roy Halladay one, two punch.

I just keep thinking about the Phillies attempting to trade Ryan Howard in 2004 to add an additional piece for that year’s playoff run. Thank god they didn’t. It’s easy to forget that prospects can become important players in the future. Don’t forget that three fourths of the Phillies infield, plus Cole Hamels, Carlos Ruiz, Shane Victorino, and Ryan Madson all came through the Phillies farm system. I’m glad I’m not Reuben Amaro Jr. This is as big a decision as you can make – and either way it may be a huge mistake.

Pedro is ok – but Roy Halladay is better

Speener — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 01:57:54 +0000

So today the Phils signed Pedro Martinez. That’s fine – he fills a spot that was going to hurt us come playoff time. What bothers me is that there is a big hole in the rotation between Cole Hamels and Cole Hamels. Roy Halladay would fit that hole nicely. What I don’t like is the idea of them trading J.A. Happ for him – especially if that trade also includes Kyle Drabek.

I know that everyone thinks that with the core of the Phillies line-up in their prime, it makes sense to try and win now. I agree somewhat – but I think about how the Braves dynasty was built – Maddux, Glavine, and Smoltz. Halladay would be a great addition for the next year or so, but Drabek and Happ along with Hamels could be great for the next decade. I know the old saying about potential – it’s a word that means you ain’t worth a damn yet. But there’s an awful lot of potential going to Toronto if this happens.

Thoughts?