With Game 1 less than 24 hours away, word is the roster is set. Since the Phillies have until 10:00 am tomorrow to submit this final roster, it’s not official, but here’s how it’s shaping up:
Starting Pitchers
Cole Hamels, Brett Myers, Jamie Moyer, Joe Blanton
No real surprises here. Kyle Kendrick, who’s spent a majority of the season in the rotation is in Clearwater at the Florida Instructional League. Hamels, Myers, & Moyer will be starting the first three games. The use of Blanton really depends on where the series is at on Friday when they travel to Milwaukee.
Relief Pitchers
Brad Lidge, Ryan Madson, J.C. Romero, Chad Durbin, Clay Condrey, Scott Eyre, J.A. Happ
The biggest surprise here is Happ making the cut. He’s the third lefty in the bullpen, but when the Brewers biggest bat, Prince Fielder, is a lefty, so having an abundance of southpaws in the bullpen is never a bad thing. Given that fact he’s a starter, Happ gives the Phillies a long …
Left fielder Pat Burrell was seen whining this afternoon while taking batting practice in what has been described as lower back discomfort. Burrell felt something in his back during a swing, and promptly headed to the dugout.
This is terrible news for the Phillies who are counting on Burrell’s clutch bat in the playoffs.
Burrell’s status for tomorrow’s Game One of the National League Division Series is up in the air. He will be re-evaluated prior to Charlie Manuel filling out his lineup card, and if he can go, he’ll be in left field. Should Burrell be unable to go, expect Matt Stairs or Geoff Jenkins to take his place.
The Phillies Brad Lidge was the recipient of the 2008 National League Comeback Player of the Year. Lidge was stellar for the Phillies this season going 2-0 with a 1.95 ERA. More importantly he was 41 for 41 in save opportunities, making him the first Phillie in the 125-year history of this franchise to have more than 20 saves in a season and not record a blown save. Lidge beat out Cubs closer Kerry Wood and Cardinals outfielder Ryan Ludwick.
The obvious criteria to win Comeback Player of the Year you have to come back. That’s exactly what Lidge did.
It wasn’t that long ago the Lidge was on top of the world. In 2004 he took over the closers role from Octavio Dotel in Houston and flourished. In a little over half a season Lidge recorded 29 saves and posted a 1.90 ERA. More impressive was his 157 strikeouts in only 94 innings.
In 2005 Lidge started the …
With Game 1 of the NLDS starting tomorrow at Citizens Bank Park, manager Charlie Manuel has announced his starting rotation for the series. Cole Hamels will pitch the opener tomorrow, with Brett Myers on Thursday, and Jamie Moyer on Saturday in Milwaukee. The Game 4 starter is still unannounced. This depends on if there is a Game 4, and what the Phillies situation is. Should the Phillies be up two games to one, Joe Blanton would most likely get the nod. Should they be facing elimination, Hamels could return on three days rest with Myers pitching Game 5 (if necessary).
This is the most logical rotation, although, I was hoping Moyer would get the nod in the first game. He’s been the most consistent pitcher for the Phillies this season, and he’s not afraid to pitch on three days rest if needed (Hamels on the other hand is a different story). It would also set up Hamels to start …
