In the later innings of a National League game, it becomes a chess match between the managers. What pitcher gives the best matchup? Announce a pinch hitter to get a different pitcher? So many different scenarios to play out.
Having the right mix of pitchers is crucial to a team’s success in the Senior Circuit. Charlie Manuel has done well since coming over to the NL with his game management, but he still needs the right pitchers.
With the Phillies sending Mike Zagurski to minor league camp last week, it left the team with 12 pitchers, pretty much finalizing the opening day roster. The only position battle is between Jamie Moyer and Kyle Kendrick for the 5th spot in the rotation. Whoever doesn’t get the starter’s spot, goes to the bullpen.
If that pitcher happens to be Moyer, that brings a ton of left handed experience to a bullpen that is sorely lacking it. With J.C. Romero likely to open the season on the disabled list, there aren’t many lefties floating around in the bullplen.
In fact, unless Moyer gets shifted to the bullpen, the only lefty will be Antonio Bastardo. He went 2-3 with a 6.46 ERA last year, but that was mostly as a spot starter. He’ll be looked at to e the shutdown lefty in the ‘pen until Romero gets back. That’s going to be a lot of pressure for a young kid with only 23 innings under his belt at the top level.
Moyer would bring experience, but he doesn’t fit the role of a lefty specialist. He would be used as a long reliever and spot starter if he’s not in the rotation.
Until Romero comes back from his injury, Cholly will have to hope that the rest of the bullpen can get the job done.
