In beating the Marlins yesterday and winning only their second series since mid-August, the Phillies scored five runs in the first inning, two in the second and KO'd Dontrelle Willis after only three. Willis, who finished second in the Cy Young voting in 2005, saw his record fall to 8-15 and his ERA swell to a career-worst 5.27.After the game, in the quiet of the Phillies' clubhouse, I asked a few players if they think something is wrong with Willis. Some said he looks like he's lost his focus. Others wondered if he's injured. But the prevailing opinion for why Willis' bubble has burst was that he isn't pitching with the fire he once had because the Marlins are woefully out of contention in the NL East. That prompted a few Phillies players to wonder if Willis will be traded this winter, and if so, could the Phillies get him?
Don't hold your breath.
Trading for Willis would give the Phils two legitimate top-of-the-rotation lefties and may allow them to keep Brett Myers in the bullpen. But keep this in mind: Willis won't be a free agent until after the 2009 season. His trade value is at an all-time low. The Marlins would be wise to keep him, hope he rebounds next season and then deal him. And, even after his disappointing 2007, a pitcher with Willis' track record won't come cheap. In any deal for Willis, the Phillies likely would have to part with Shane Victorino, whom they view as a center-field replacement if they don't re-sign Aaron Rowand.
Your thoughts?
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Not to throw cold water on yesterday's win, but it couldn't have been a good sign that Jamie Moyer, pitching with an extra day of rest, fell apart in the sixth inning after cruising through the first five and being staked to an 8-0 lead. Also within the notebook, Cole Hamels won't throw off a mound until Wednesday. At that point, he'll have a better idea if he'll be able to make three more starts for the Phillies this season.
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I'm sure many of you are still mourning the Eagles' 16-13 loss to the Packers, but look how happy these folks are. (Sorry, I couldn't resist).
2 comments:
Could you please ask someone in the Phillies FO why the team hasn't taken better advantage of the September call-ups?
Are they too cheap? Is the farm system that barren?
Anon: It has nothing to do with money. It has everything to do with a lack of talent. Look at the records of their top affiliates. Ottawa was 55-88. Reading was 70-71. Any players who are remotely major-league ready, and even some who aren't (Chris Roberson), are here.
Is there a player who wasn't called up that you'd like to see in the majors right now?
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