Well the last person you thought would give up a heart breaking grand slam in the bottom of the ninth holding a 3 run lead would be Scott Mathieson. When you see Scott head into the game, Pig fans would generally breath a sigh of relief. I wonder if that “oh no” cringe that our dear friend Gary Majewski gave us last year will soon return when our closer toes the mound. I doubt it but I am getting a feeling and this feeling isn’t good.
It’s getting closer and closer to the time where the Phillies have got to be saying, “What were we thinking when we traded Cliff Lee?!” Finger pointing will begin and fans across Phillies Nation will be calling it a terrible time. Those die hards will say it’s a slump and the Phils will surely resolve their issues and come out on top. Whatever the end of this season’s book will be… one thing is for sure.
The Phillies are going to do anything and everything they can to catalyst themselves to another post season berth. Looking at the Phillies starting rotation:
Roy Halladay – This guy is truck at the top of the flagpole. No problems here. Long term deal and long term arm.
Cole Hamels – Hamels is 6 and 5 with a 3.74 ERA. He’s not doing bad but when he decides to leave his motivation in the locker room it can get ugly. I heard a lot about Kyle Kendrick stepping to the side of Halladay to be mentored. I wonder if this is the case with Hamels. Two years ago he was the Wunderkind and he got ALL the attention. Could this be a sibling rivalry?
Jamie Moyer – This guy is predictably unpredictable. He’s either really on or really off. Either way the Phillies need to use him as a change of pace role. Him starting or ending a series is a bad idea.. even if a spot start by someone else is needed to maintain that role. If another team faces Stephen Strasburg the day before and Moyer the next, he will be effective. If that same team faces another wily veteran with a low velocity pitch.. well he’s going to get Red Socked again. Don’t underestimate his intelligence and preparation but if the other team is properly prepared they will hit Moyer well.
Kyle Kendrick – Kendrick is Kendrick. I still say he is more so a long reliever or spot starter. Nothing lights out but he seems to pitch better when there is little pressure. He’s still young so this could change.
Joe Blanton – Blanton is 1 and 5 with a 7.38 ERA. With the way the Phillies hit last year (and before this year’s collective slump) Blanton did well. If they are scraping for runs, he is getting shelled. I honestly don’t see Blanton finishing this season with the Phillies unless he/they make an incredible run into August.
So where does that leave us?
There are a few pitchers on the Lehigh Valley staff who could perform at the MLB level. Drew Carpenter wouldn’t be allowed to start. Nelson Figueroa would be a good choice. Nate Bump is doing well, but not well enough to impress the brass in Philly. Then there is Mathieson.
Are you thinking what I’m thinking Pinky?
I think the trade rumors will start soon and Mathieson will be at the top of the list. So will be Jayson Werth and Raul Ibanez. Figueroa cleared waivers a few weeks back and it doesn’t seem interest is high in him.
Look out minor league Phillies affiliates. It’s coming and if the Phillies don’t start turning heads soon they will start dealing them.
noisenation.mlblogs.com 
What are the chances of seeing J.A. Happ making a rehab start on Friday at Coca-Cola Park? He threw last week in Clearwater, then Sunday in Reading. Friday would be his next scheduled start. Barring a setback it’s probably the only chance for him to pitch in Allentown since the Ironpigs go on another 8 game roadtrip next week.
Jimmy Rollins started at shortstop for Clearwater tonight and hit leadoff. He went 0-3 before being replaced by Troy Hanzawa.
Does anyone really think Raul Ibanez has any trade value? The Phillies would have to eat the bulk of his salary this year and next for anyone to take him but you’re not going to get much in return for an aging outfielder.
If the Phillies want something to help this year I’m afraid they’ll have to dip into their low minors to try to make a deal. That’s where most of their top prospects are playing thanks to the trades last year. Mathieson is the best AAA prospect but I’m afraid many teams may still shy away from a pitcher who has already had 2 Tommy John surgeries.
I’m guessing the Phillies have been talking regularly to Pedro who along with Happ would strengthen the starting 5.
I’m thinking there might be something more to lengthen Happ’s recovery. Not sure if we’ll see him that soon. Rollins may be around soon though but I don’t believe it will be this homestand.
good point about Figueroa
(looks like he is good for us, anyway!)