Brett Myers Gets Sent to the 'Pen
Todd Zolecki reports that the Phillies' 2007 Opening Day starter has been demoted to the bullpen, where he'll set up for Flash Gordon. Jon Lieber will replace him in the rotation.
In three starts, Myers is 0-2, with a 9.39 ERA. He has allowed 16 earned runs, with 19 strikeouts and 9 walks in 151/3 innings.
Lieber is 0-0 with an 11.57 ERA, allowing two walks with no strikeouts in 21/3 innings in his two relief appearances this season.
Brett's numbers have been bad in two of three starts so far, but isn't this a little premature? I thought he was pretty good on Opening Day, and that he's at least better than Lieber, who hasn't exactly been lights out. Brett must have agreed to it, as he said previously he'd accept any role the team thought best. We'll see how long that lasts. It may just be a short-term thing to try to boost Lieber's trade value, since they obviously need help right now.
Previously:
Brett Myers Named Opening Day Starter [The 700 Level]
To Brett Myers: Put That Coffee Down [The 700 Level]
my head is spinning...
Posted by: bryan b | Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at 05:25 PM
wow. stunning, but i like the shake up
Posted by: Ben Keeler | Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at 05:26 PM
Looks like the Phils are in panic mode already. Wonder when J-Roll will get moved down the line-up.
Hopefully this is just a temporary move like you said. Despite his early numbers Myers is too good to be a set-up guy.
Posted by: gootman | Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at 05:27 PM
DNL showed a Myers interview from DC. Myers said the one stipulation was whatever decision was made has to be long-term. So, according to Myers, this is for the entire season.
Posted by: Jim | Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at 06:03 PM
we must be getting punkd.
Posted by: the Krisheim | Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at 06:29 PM
Whatcha talkin bout willis?
Posted by: williebert | Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at 07:55 PM
this looks like the definition of a panic move.
Posted by: tmc | Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at 08:26 PM
Slam on that panic button Mr. Manuel!
Posted by: POL | Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at 08:28 PM
This season is becoming a bad joke. How can this be for the rest of the season? You put your best pitcher out in the pen as a setup guy?
We're not talking moving John Smoltz to the closer role. We're taking the best guy on the staff and moving him to a situation where he will pitch 4-5 innings a week.
ARRRRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHHH
Posted by: Chris | Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at 08:52 PM
And another loss for the Phightin' Phils! This time to the Nats in 13. I don't feel like this is Manuel's fault, but I think a change is needed, and soon!
Posted by: POL | Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at 11:27 PM
Utley and Howard have become balck hole like the Bell/Liberthal part of the lineup was in the past. Until those two start hitting, nothing can change. A nice 0-10 tonight between the two.
Posted by: Ben Keeler | Thursday, April 19, 2007 at 01:06 AM
Not sure if you've got trackback on here, or if my blog would even provide it, but full credit for bringing up the idea that this move could be the prelude to a Lieber trade. I had the same thought myself, and you'll be able to read all about it in the morning on my less-than-a-week-old blog at http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/touchingbase/
Posted by: Jesse Spector | Thursday, April 19, 2007 at 04:15 AM
How 'bout that Matt Smith fella? Now there's a winner.
I'm pretty sure he had a red tag hanging in his locker after the game.
Posted by: Walklett | Thursday, April 19, 2007 at 12:01 PM