Happ to the bullpen? Are you kidding me?

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.

Pedro is ok – but Roy Halladay is better

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?