If the fans of Philadelphia expect a repeat this fall, or for that matter a solid playoff run, the starting pitching must be addressed.
The struggles of Jimmy Rollins, Raul Ibanez being on the DL, inconsistent hitting across the board, home ballpark struggles, championship hangover, or any other excuse you want to chalk up, all are minuscule in comparison to the conspicuous truth—the Phillies need another starting pitcher.
Let's discuss starting pitching first.
There are many glaring problems throughout the rotation that are cause for concern. Cole Hamels is not having the great year he did during the 2008 campaign. He hasn't come close to pitching like the ace he was last year. He stands at 4-4 with a 4.98 earned run average. His velocity has been lacking and his durability and overall health have been a cause for concern.
Brett Myers is out for the season due to hip surgery.
Jamie Moyer has a penchant for getting smacked around when he takes the hill. He started the season 3-5 with a 7.42 ERA. He's improved to 7-6 with a 5.72 ERA, but the uncertainty about what you'll be getting as he takes the mound is another troubling aspect of the starting rotation.
Joe Blanton is 4-4 this season, and to his defense, he's pitched in a lot of games where the Phillies' offense just couldn't get it done. His current ERA of 5.08 is the second highest of his career, just behind his rookie season in Oakland.
J.A. Happ has been perhaps the most consistent starter for the Phils, and he's only started eight games, so there's plenty of time to become less consistent. He's currently 5-0 with a solid 2.96 ERA. The Phillies desperately need him to remain on track.
Antonio Bastardo is 2-3 with a 6.75 ERA. He is currently on the 15 day DL.
The Chan Ho Park starting pitcher experiment failed. He is now a member of the bullpen, which has been under-performing as well.
Speaking of the bullpen...
The bullpen is another troubling question mark. In their defense, they have been over-worked due to the shortcomings of the starters. Ryan Madson has done some solid work, but as a whole the bullpen hasn't been reliable.
J.C. Romero missed 50 games because of suspension, and since he's been back he's helped the bullpen get in line, however, choking out a Rays fan is hardly the way to retain the focus needed to battle through the season.
Jack Taschner's atrocious play made the team designate him to assignment and call up Rodrigo Lopez, who had a solid effort against the Mets on July 3rd, earning a win.
Chad Durbin has been forgettable, as have Clay Condrey and Scott Eyre, who are both on the DL.
Sergio Escalona and Tyler Walker haven't played enough for anyone to even formulate an opinion thus far.
Finally, perhaps the biggest disappointment has been closer Brad Lidge. His miraculous 41 saves last year, capped off by the game winning strikeout in the World Series, has been forever etched into the mind of Phillies fans. However, he hasn't played remotely close to that caliber so far in 2009. He is currently 0-3 with 15 saves and a 7.31 ERA.
The bats of Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez will not matter this fall if the pitching situation is not rectified.
Are you listening Ruben Amaro, Jr.? I know, I know, sweeping the Mets must have felt good. But it's temporary. Remember, YOU were swept in Atlanta. The N.L. East is a dog fight and no, Paul Byrd isn't going to cut it. Make a move that screams "enterprising" not "complacent".
The Dodgers, Mets, Marlins, Braves, Brewers and Cardinals are all hoping you stay the course. I, for one, am not.
I know Charlie Manuel agrees with me.
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