Who, What, When, Where & Halladay

With Phillies’ pitcher Roy Halladay likely headed to the Disabled List we have to wonder who will replace him as a starter on their roster.

We had a great, even if paraphrased, discussion amongst ourselves last night.

The Pigs and Reading are hurting on starting pitching.

Dipro
I guess you could rule out Diekman and De Fratus as they really haven’t been starters.

That leaves Savery, BJ Rosenberg, Tyler Cloyd, and Ethan Martin on the 40 man.

Kinda think and sorta hope they wouldn’t throw Ethan Martin up there but I was surprised when they took Pettibone and he’s done well.

Savery, Rosenberg, and Cloyd all have pitched between 25-33 innings in the majors so that’s all pretty much even.

I would think Joe at this point doesn’t give the Phils what they need as he only has thrown just over 13 innings to Tyler’s 35 and BJ’s 24.2. But yet they did pop on Pettibone and he only threw 9.1 innings so who’s to say. I think you need a body who can give you 7 innings and I’m not sure Joe’s that guy just now.

That leaves Rosenberg and Cloyd.

Statistically Tyler has a better ERA by a bit and had a good outing his last time. Tyler has given up 8 HR and BJ 4 but Cloyd has a better WHIP – playing the numbers – he wins.

So after the success of Pettibone combined with the panic I think it’s Cloyd time in Philly.

Mauricio Robles (REA) is the only other pitcher on the 40 man – he’s 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA in 18 innings – the most he pitched was 2.2 innings in one game. Don’t think he can be a starter.

Kram
Cloyd to Philly would leave us short a starter with reading short two starters. Bass from Camden?

Cheryl
My prediction, short term bullpen (Savery or DeFratus), and then Cloyd.

*****

Since our discussion we learned the Phillies signed LHP Greg Smith and assigned him to Reading.

While there are many, many possibilities I think that the Phillies have shown their card and are hitting the free agent market early. I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a trade or even another mention of Roy Oswalt depending on how long Halladay is out. I tend to agree a bit with Kram’s suggestion that the Phils bring back Bass (who they released earlier this spring). I do think Cloyd has the strongest chance of being the call with a slight chance to Reading’s Biddle (and I say that lightly).

My official guess – Phillies sign free agent or trade for starter, use Cloyd until said pitcher is ready to go.

OinK!