MIAMI GARDENS -- Warning, Phillies fans: You may find this sight a little gruesome.That, of course, is Brett Myers, clutching his right triceps and walking off the mound after unleashing a wild pitch in a wild and crazy ninth inning last night. Myers said the sensation was like nothing he has ever experienced, and although he didn't appear to be in pain as he iced his shoulder after the game, he said he had some muscle spasms shortly after he left the mound. Myers saw the Marlins' doctors, who diagnosed a shoulder strain. Assistant GM Ruben Amaro Jr. said Myers would be evaluated today and that diagnostic tests (MRI exam) haven't been ordered. But, unless Myers feels a lot better, I have to think he'll be headed back to Philly to see team doctor Michael Ciccotti.
Naturally, as soon as I know anything, so will you.
Now, you're bound to hear plenty of blustery criticism from the talk-radio and TV folks about why Charlie Manuel brought Myers into a four-run game, but there's a perfectly reasonable explanation. First, Myers hadn't pitched since Sunday. He was well-rested. Second, Geoff Geary and Antonio Alfonseca had already pitched. Manuel doesn't trust Clay Condrey, Francisco Rosario or Yoel Hernandez -- even with a four-run lead. I suppose he could've gone to Ryan Madson, but he pitched Tuesday night and is coming back from an injury. Third, and most important, Myers was already warming up when the score was still 4-3. Because he's still new to relieving, the Phillies don't like to warm Myers up and then not use him. So, there was absolutely no reason to not bring him into the game.
If you want to assess blame, look at the Phillies' defense in the absolute wackiest inning I've seen. But, don't take my word for it. Aaron Rowand called it "the all-time weirdest inning ever."
Greg Dobbs felt terrible about his brain cramp. After fielding Hanley Ramirez's bunt, Dobbs should've gotten the sure out at first base. Instead, he threw home, even though he had no chance to get Dan Uggla at the plate. Had he gotten the out at first, the game would've ended after Myers struck out Miguel Cabrera and Jeremy Hermida.
Instead, the inning was alive for Aaron Boone to lace a single to left field. Jayson Werth made a strong throw that landed in Rod Barajas' mitt while Ramirez was still 10 feet from the plate. All Barajas had to do was block the plate and apply the tag. Instead, he stood straight up, yielding ground to Ramirez, who slid underneath Barajas' tag. From the replays I saw, home-plate umpire Tim Timmons made a good call, although Barajas, who was ejected with Manuel for arguing the play, remained defiant.While Barajas was flippant about the surreal turn of events -- "The fact that we won, we can look back and laugh at some of these plays," he said, with Myers sitting nearby -- Dobbs was despondent. "I feel tremendously responsible for what happened," he said. "It meant extra pitches for Brett. I’m praying to God he’s going to be OK. I’m praying that I didn’t aid in his being out for a long time."
No doubt, Phillies fan concur.
7 comments:
I don't blame Charlie for what happened to Myers but as I've been saying for a couple weeks - It was bound to happen. Charlie was relying too much on Myers because he has no confidence in the dregs of the balace of the pen. But, I think it would have made a lot more sense to bring out Rosario who was warmed up and then if he gave up 2 runs, then bring in Myers with a 2 run lead.
Sure, if Dobbs hadn't made the ill advised throw home and if Rod Barajas wasn't afraid to get mashed, Myers may not have been hurt. And if I were 14 inches taller I'd be a center in the NBA.
The bottom line is that the bullpen was doomed from April 2nd because Gillick underestimated the market for relievers and possibly their value. Brett Myers injury is just a bi product of that scenario.
Just my .02,
Matt
I agree in not blaming Charlie, but who DO we blame?
I watched the ninth inning in disbelife, there is no excuse for Dobbs and Barajas. A high school player wouldn't make those mistakes. When are the Phillies going to spend the money for quality ML players. Neither of these guys belong in the Majors.
I thought we signed Barajas b/c he was supposed to be a verteran catcher with a decent bat and good defense? I like Ruiz in the lineup everyday, no way that kid gives up that run...too hungry to jump out of the way (which is practically what happened)....
To Paul W.:
Blame Barajas. The guy just didn't want to get hit. It's as simple as that. The fact that he tried to laugh it off after the game proves what a joke he is. He should have been DFA'd before tonight's game. Ruiz has proven he's a better (and tougher, for sure) player than Barajas and Coste is a more than capable backup. Barajas is horrible and has no place on this team -- particularly with that kind of attitude.
Paul,
I would blame Pat Gillick. He is the one responsible for putting together the feeble bullpen. This leaves Charlie Manuel with no choice but to overuse guys like Myers and Flash(last year).
As far as anonymous' posting, I don't believe you can compare Chris Coste's one year wonder season to a guy who has 9 years of major league service in Barajas. Yes, his gutless move at the dish last night was pathetic. But, I think it is premature to make a final judgement on him on May 24th. But, I can't disagree with you assessment of his performance thus far. So far, all of Gillick's offseason moves have been brutal - Freddy Garcia, Jayson Werth, and Rod Barajas.
I'm not sure there's one specific person who should shoulder (no pun intended) the blame for Myers' injured shoulder. There's no disputing that Dobbs and Barajas made inexplicably mind-numbing defensive blunders in the ninth inning Wednesday. But it's impossible to say Myers was injured because he had to throw a few extra pitches.
That said, I tend to agree with Matt In Philadelphia. Gillick supplied Manuel with so few options in the bullpen that he's forced to use Myers as often as possible.
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