The case for J.A. Happ

by PhillyFriar on Jul 1, 2008 11:10 PM EDT

Did a post over at our blog advocating Happ for Myers' spot in the rotation. It looks like the Phils will simply skip that spot for the time being and make a decision over the weekend, but I don't see any way they should tab anyone but Happ for that spot.

Here's our post

I think he's being overlooked by Pat Gillick & Co. because: (1) they think of him as a "soft tosser"; and (2) he struggled last year. But he was nursing an elbow injury last year, and if you look at the rest of his career minor league numbers (including this year), they're quite impressive:

2004 (A-): 1-2, 2.02 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 37:18 K:BB in 35.2 IP

2005 (A/AA): 5-4, 2.30 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 78:28 K:BB in 78.1 IP

2006 (A+/AA/AAA): 10-9, 2.80 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 162:59 K:BB in 160.3 IP

2008 (AAA): 5-6, 3.54 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 104:38 K:BB in 101.2 IP

Needless to say, those are great numbers. Happ is now 25, and with the season he's having in Triple-A (he leads the International League in strikeouts), he's more than ready to step up to the major league level.

I just think it would be a big mistake for Gillick to overthink this; just go with the guy on the 40-man roster whose been next in line for quite some time. Anyone else agree?

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Happ has gotten a lot of praise

on this and other forums. After looking at his numbers I feel he’s a logical choice to replace Myers. I don’t know how many options he has left. Apparently as I write this the Phillies have made the decision to bring up LRP RJ Swindle from Lehigh tomorrow. This is according to ESPN.
Charlie has wanted the option of having another lefty in the pen. Maybe the load is too much for Romero. Flash may be a concern as well. Maybe Durbin moves to the rotation but how long does it take to get him stretched out and conditioned to go 5 innings?

by Steve-O- on Jul 2, 2008 2:12 AM EDT 0 recs

I wanted him up to begin the season, in the pen at the time. But give him a few starts and lets see what he can do.

For Who? My teammates.

For What? To Win.

How Much? Where do I sign?

by jonk on Jul 2, 2008 6:57 AM EDT 0 recs

I’d like to have the Phillies surprise the Braves tomorrow by giving him a start. The Mets have seen Happ before, but the Braves have not. I’d like Cole pitching against the Mets anyway. I think the most dangerous thing that can happen to the Phillies chances would be getting swept by the Mets, and not having Hamels pitch against them risks that. I understand it costs Hamels a start before the all-star break to pitch him Friday, but he needs to keep his innings down anyway, and the Mets are more of a threat in my book than the Braves.

Furthermore, I think the Phillies are being smart enough to keep who the starter is under wraps, and I think the element of surprise when the Braves see a different lefty that they might not have scouted would be helpful.

by MattS on Jul 2, 2008 11:00 AM EDT 0 recs

This might be a good time to take a look at Happ, since (we can hope) Myers will return after a few starts and then we can send Happ back down. I don’t want to rely on Happ during the stretch run. I know it worked out ok when we did it with Kendrick last year, but still.

The ideal solution for me is that Happ makes two or three starts and does ok, Myers gets straightened out at AAA and returns around July 20 or so, and then Happ starts next year in the rotation.

by taco pal on Jul 2, 2008 11:10 AM EDT 0 recs

Regarding Happ’s role next year: couldn’t agree more, taco pal. Yes, he only projects as a back of the rotation starter, but isn’t it a better idea to give him every shot to be that guy—rather than, say, paying someone mediocre like Adam Eaton $8 million a year?

by PhillyFriar on Jul 2, 2008 11:21 AM EDT up 0 recs

I agree completely, although the moral of the story is not to sign new Eatons going forward. The Eaton we’ve got isn’t going away, and if he continues to pitch competently this year, I think he’s got to be a lock for next year’s rotation, with or without Happ. The real question for the Phillies is whether to try to re-sign Moyer. I think that’s a pretty tough question.

by taco pal on Jul 2, 2008 11:37 AM EDT up 0 recs

You know, Travis Blackley has arguably been pitching just as well as Happ has, of late. Just throwing it out there.

by taco pal on Jul 2, 2008 11:56 AM EDT 0 recs

I just realized...

...what Gillick & Co. are probably thinking. Carrasco goes tonight for the R-Phils, which would make his next start July 7—coincidentally, the same day the Phils need a starter.

I’ll venture that they’re hedging their bets: they’ll monitor Carrasco’s start tonight, and if he doesn’t pitch well, they’ll probably limit Happ’s pitch count tomorrow and have him go on three days rest next Monday. But I betcha Gillick is just itching to call up Carrasco.

by PhillyFriar on Jul 2, 2008 2:53 PM EDT 0 recs

Per the Inquirer, Happ is the guy tomorrow. I’ve never seen him pitch—anyone have a scouting report?

by another Mike on Jul 3, 2008 5:00 PM EDT 0 recs