Congratulations RJ Swindle - Your Newest Philadelphia Phillie!

by David S. Cohen on Jul 2, 2008 11:16 AM EDT Comment 4 comments

To replace Brett Myers, the Phillies called up RJ Swindle today. Yup, the RJ Swindle that has become a Good Phight favorite. The RJ Swindle who throws a curve in the low 50s and a fastball in the mid 80s. The RJ Swindle that did a great interview with us earlier this year.

I know I speak for all of the Good Phight writers and readers wishing RJ the best of luck in the big leagues. His minor league performance has been outstanding. Even with a few rocky performances in early June, RJ comes to the Phillies after posting a 1.93 ERA with the IronPigs and a 0.54 ERA with the Reading Phils. All told this year, his minor league numbers are sickening: 1.35 ERA in 40 innings pitched, a 48:6 strikeout to walk ratio, and a 0.85 WHIP. After being jerked around by a couple other organizations, RJ certainly has earned his big league invite.

Go get 'em RJ!

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Definitely exciting to see our favorite unconventional prospect get a shot… I just hope it’s for more than two days, until Condrey comes back from his family obligations, and that he gets to throw some pitches in anger unlike Tim Lahey (who?).

My doubts about the Phillies and Swindle had to do with what I thought was the team’s unwillingness to take his incredible professional results at face value, at least until they (Manuel, Gillick) saw him with their own eyes. Here’s hoping he gets the chance. Romero threw a bunch of high-leverage pitches last night, so maybe he’ll get in this evening or tomorrow.

by dajafi on Jul 2, 2008 11:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Hope for a blowout

I think his best bet is a blowout (either way) tonight or tomorrow. That way he can enter the game without much pressure and show what he can do. I think the Condrey thing is a worry for him sticking long-term, but it also seems that the Phils have been saying that they’re looking for a lefty reliever. Maybe Swindle can fit that bill.

As for Durbin tomorrow, he warmed up last night (although didn’t get into the game), so I don’t know what that means for him starting tomorrow.

by David S. Cohen on Jul 2, 2008 11:28 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs