There was an interesting dichotomy no doubt playing out for the Phillies brass watching J.A. Happ again pitch lights out yesterday afternoon in blowing away the Marlins.
Happ pitched another seven strong innings, scattering just five hits while shutting out the Fish. He struck out four and walked one in pushing his record to a sparkling 7-0. His ERA is now 2.68.
Meanwhile, Ruben Amaro Jr. had to have one eye on the scoreboard. In Toronto, Roy Halladay went the distance to beat the Boston Red Sox. He pitched a six-hitter in raising his record to 11-3 and lowering his ERA to 2.73.
Halladay is currently being offered to several teams – for the right package in return. The Phillies are one of those teams. The thought of adding Halladay as the hammer in their rotation would make them the favorite to return to the World Series from the National League.
The problem is at what cost. It’s likely Happ would have to be in that mix. And maybe currently minor league phenom Kyle Drabek as well.
Happ makes that decision a little tougher with every start. Right now he might be the best pitcher in the Phils’ rotation, and that includes Cole Hamels.
The idea of adding Halladay is certainly intriguing, but it’s pretty clear that will not happen without giving up Happ or Drabek, or both, along with some other prospects.
Happ-y Days? Not for Amaro. All eyes will be on him as the days click off toward the trade deadline on the 31st. Will he pull the trigger? And if he does, will the Phils live to regret giving up on a kid like Happ.
It’s a decision I’m glad I don’t have to make.
Happ pitched another seven strong innings, scattering just five hits while shutting out the Fish. He struck out four and walked one in pushing his record to a sparkling 7-0. His ERA is now 2.68.
Meanwhile, Ruben Amaro Jr. had to have one eye on the scoreboard. In Toronto, Roy Halladay went the distance to beat the Boston Red Sox. He pitched a six-hitter in raising his record to 11-3 and lowering his ERA to 2.73.
Halladay is currently being offered to several teams – for the right package in return. The Phillies are one of those teams. The thought of adding Halladay as the hammer in their rotation would make them the favorite to return to the World Series from the National League.
The problem is at what cost. It’s likely Happ would have to be in that mix. And maybe currently minor league phenom Kyle Drabek as well.
Happ makes that decision a little tougher with every start. Right now he might be the best pitcher in the Phils’ rotation, and that includes Cole Hamels.
The idea of adding Halladay is certainly intriguing, but it’s pretty clear that will not happen without giving up Happ or Drabek, or both, along with some other prospects.
Happ-y Days? Not for Amaro. All eyes will be on him as the days click off toward the trade deadline on the 31st. Will he pull the trigger? And if he does, will the Phils live to regret giving up on a kid like Happ.
It’s a decision I’m glad I don’t have to make.
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