What’s Best for Phillipe Aumont?

Yesterday I wrote that the bubble was about to burst and last night, it did.

I had my radio tuned to Pigs Radio, the IronPigs had a 4-0 lead, Tyler Henson had already hit two home runs in his Triple A debut, the dog was asleep next to me and soon Jon Schaeffer’s voice sent me to dream land.

I woke up this morning and was surprised to find twitter abuzz with the collapse that led to the Pigs 4-5 loss mainly due to the efforts of the bullpen.

While Aumont took the loss, he wasn’t alone in this effort but I want to take a moment and think about Phillipe Aumont.

We got Phillipe from the Mariners as part of a trade. Word on him back then was the Mariners had tried him as a starter and were working on converting him to a reliever/closer type. The Phillies so far have tried both versions as well. Aumont has had some good moments and some bad. Lately, we’ve seen more bad.

Really, I try not to chuckle when he comes into the game and the club level is chalking up the unofficial over/under line for passed balls and/or wild pitches. Pitch control has not been friendly to him of late.

What would be the best for Phillipe Aumont?

I’m not saying what would be the best for the IronPigs… that would be sending him to Reading.

I’m not saying what would be best for the Phillies… that would be trying to send him off as part of a trade.

I’m saying what would be best for Phillipe Aumont.

In my opinion, (Take that for what it’s worth), the best thing for him would be a new start in a new town with different coaches. (I didn’t say better, I said different)

We could look at examples of Jason Grilli or Brandon Moss who both thrived after leaving the IronPigs and the Phillies’ organization but they also thrived here. I’m talking Ryan Vogelsong.

When Vogelsong was an IronPig in 2010, he hadn’t pitched in the majors since 2006. He ended up pitching in 25 games with a 2-5 record before the Phillies sent him on his way.

Next stop San Francisco.

In 2011 Vogelsong went 13-7 for the Giants.

In 2012 Vogelsong went 14-9 and won a World Series for the Giants, the winning pitcher of Game 3.

Did Ryan Vogelsong wake up one morning in 2011 and say, “I’m just going to be better, much much better!”? No.

He had help. Everyone needs help now and then.

I truly believe Phillipe Aumont needs a fresh start. He needs an open mind, someone to trust, someone who can take him aside and allow him to defeat those control demons. Someone who will not only allow but push him to thrive.

He’s hit a wall with the Phillies’ organization and I really believe he would thrive with a change.

What do you think?