Well it seems Brett Myers three weeks in the minors didn’t do much good.  He said he worked hard on his fastball.  He said how he realized a lot of things about himself.  He said he found his swagger.  He might have talked a good game, but after walking four consecutive batters in the first inning, he told me he’s the same old Brett.

Like Myers has done in 13 of his 18 starts this season, he gave up runs in the first inning and the Phillies found themselves playing from behind early on.  A pattern has developed where his first innings set the tone for the Phillies, and the outcome is rarely good.  If the Phillies realistically expect to contend this season, and have any dreams of going deep into the post season, Myers cannot be part of this rotation.

It’s not that I don’t think Myers has the talent; I don’t doubt his ability.  Unfortunately it’s his head that gets in the way.  Somewhere in Myers head is the idea he’s a closer.  He’s stated on more then one occasion he likes closing and referred to himself as a “rockstar closer” (take that for what it’s worth).  Since he got a taste of closing last season, he can’t shake the idea that he’s better off in the back of the bullpen.  As a result, he’ll never be successful in the rotation.  Unfortunately for him (and the Phillies), with Brad Lidge just signing a three-year contract extension, the chances of him closing games are remote.

So what can the Phillies do with Myers?  They cannot keep him in the rotation, letting him set the Phillies back before they even step to the plate.  He’s probably not going to accept another demotion.  He already found his swagger.  Unfortunately it’s in the bullpen.  How I see it, the only solution is to give him what he wants. 

Send him to the bullpen.

Let’s face some facts.  If Brett Myers isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed.  If he sees the slightest shred of hope that he will get a save opportunity, he’ll become a new pitcher.  With Tom Gordon eternally on the DL (and while he was still active), the Phillies do not have a consistent set-up man for Lidge.  The rotation of Ryan Madson, Chad Durbin, & J.C. Romero has worked for now, but you can see all three pitchers beginning to wear down some.  Throughout Myers career, he’s been a much better option out of the pen (5-6, 2.98 ERA), then as a starter (57-50, 4.58).  A Myers/Lidge combo at the back of the bullpen could be one of the best in the National League. 

This move also serves a duel benefit.  Myers has no real future with this team if he’s not in the rotation, meaning he’d most likely be dealt at some point.  As a set-up man, he would be showcased to other teams who could use a closer.  If the Phillies really wanted to deal him, they probably wouldn’t have to wait until the off-season, as Myers would probably clear waivers with no team wanting to automatically pick up his contract.

Of course you’d have to ask yourself who would replace Myers in the rotation.  Now I can’t see the Phillies adding another pitcher before the trading deadline, so the move would have to come internally.  The best option for that would be to bring back J.A. Happ.  In Happ’s brief time with the Phillies this season, he’s 0-0 with a 3.27 ERA (four earned runs in eleven innings).  His first start against the Mets his nerves definitely showed, but his final start against the Cardinals he was strong, allowing two runs in six-and-a-third innings.  Since being sent back down to Triple-A, Happ has been on fire going 2-0 (including a seven no-hit innings in relief), with a 2.08 ERA.  He also recorded 20 strikeouts over those two appearances.

While Happ is a gamble in the rotation, due to his lack of experience, it’s safe to say he’s an upgrade over Myers.

The bigger question is who would Myers replace in the bullpen.  The obvious answer would be Adam Eaton.  Championship teams don’t have dead-weight like Eaton in their bullpen.  Eaton has been long-overdue his release by the Phillies, but unfortunately they really don’t want to eat his salary.  It’s become obvious, they’d rather him earn a paycheck by losing games (that’s a whole different discussion).  In saying that, Clay Condrey would probably be the guy who would be let loose, which would be a shame.  Condrey has been strong as of late, and has been used in more clutch situations.  He’s only allowed one run in the month of July (nine appearances, 9.2 IP).

How I see it this is the only viable move if the Phillies plan on make a playoff run.  The longer Myers remains the rotation, the longer the Phillies rotation questions will continue to linger.