BY SCOTT LAUBERFORT MYERS, Fla. -- If he's not ready to go, Cole Hamels has nominated Brett Myers to start the season-opener.
Charlie Manuel and Rich Dubee aren't as decisive.
Myers would be a sensible choice, especially since he's started the past two openers. But Jamie Moyer (2000, 2004, 2005, 2006 with Seattle) and Joe Blanton (2008 with Oakland) also have made opening-day starts. Really, though, does it matter? Starting on opening day is largely ceremonial. In the end, it's really just one game out of 162.
Regardless, you make the call.
2 comments:
Candidates vs. the Braves (2008):
-Brett Myers: 0-2 8.2 IP 19 H 9 K 10 ER 10.38 ERA 2.77 WHIP .463 BAA
-Jamie Moyer: 0-0 11.0 IP 11 H 10 K 8 ER 6.55 ERA 1.64 WHIP .250 BAA
-Joe Blanton: 0-0 2.0 IP 3 H 1 K 1 ER 9.00 ERA 2.00 WHIP .333 BAA
-Cole Hamels: 3-1 34.1 IP 29 H 27 K 9 ER 2.36 ERA 1.14 WHIP 2.25 BAA
-J.A. Happ: 1-0 12.2 IP 8 H 7 K 2 ER 1.42 ERA 0.87 WHIP .179 BAA
According to stats from www.baseball-reference.com, the two long shots to make the Opening Night start appear to be the most qualified. That said, like Hamels and Happ, Moyer is a lefty and his major league experience only strengthens his chances to get the nod.
Is Derek Lowe definitely getting the start for the Braves?
Funny, I was just thinking about this today. Although Myers seems to be the obvious choice (last two opening days) I would definitely give it to Moyer. Moyer led the team in wins last year with 16 and started all 33 of his starts. He also won his first ever World Series. He's the "home town" guy and although I know he's started seasons before (seattle) he definitely earned the honor this year. Cole owns the first day, but if injury holds him back, I would say Moyer.
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