Joe Blanton Signing Keeps Phillies Rotation in Place 'til 2012

Even Phillies manager Charlie Manuel wondered what life would be like with a rotation of Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, and Joe Blanton/J.A. Happ.

Not to worry.

It seems the Phillies were more intent on solidifying the middle and bottom of the rotation than having two clear No. 1 pitchers on the staff.

So, as we all know, Lee was traded to the Seattle Mariners for prospects the day Halladay came to Philadelphia.

They figured they could more likely sign Halladay long-term than they could Lee.

Done. Halladay is signed through 2013.

Yesterday, the Phillies made a long-term commitment to another one of their starters when they inked Blanton to a three-year, $24 million deal.

Blanton is pictured with his wife LeeAndra and his seven-month old daughter Adaila Matea. The photo is courtesy of Steven Falk of the Philadelphia Daily News and appeared in today's paper.

What do I think of Joe Blanton? He will give you at least six innings every time out and keep you in games, giving up no more than four runs.

According to the Daily News, he has been one of the most consistent pitchers in the majors in the last three years.

He is one of only seven players to start at least 30 games and have an ERA of under 4.85 in the last five years.

Blanton went 12-8 with a 4.05 ERA last season.

One of the greatest moments of the 2008 World Series was when Blanton went yard in Game Four.

The Phillies rotation is now set with Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton, and J.A. Happ.

I'd go to war any day with that staff.

I was thinking why, besides the prospects and to keep the budget to around $140 million, did the Phillies not retain both Halladay and Lee?

I came up with one name.

Cole Hamels.

When Cole is right, he is awesome.

Hamels made five postseason starts in 2008, going 4–0 with a 1.80 ERA. He won both the MVP of the NLDS and World Series in 2008.

He went 14-10 with a 3.09 ERA in 2008 and slipped last year, going 10-11 with a 4.32 ERA. He was not much better, if not worse, in the postseason, taking the loss in Game Three of the World Series.

The Phillies' top four starters are locked up through the 2012 season or beyond.

Back to Hamels.

I don't see him as a No. 3 starter. Although they would never admit it, I think keeping Hamels happy and valuable is important to this team.

Also, Roy Halladay has pitched with success with three days' rest. Lee has not.

So while the Phillies watch the bottom line and do not pay the incredible amount of luxury tax that the Yankees do, they, in their own way, are competing with the Yankees.

Congratulations Joe Blanton. You and your family are very happy now.

A Broad Street parade should follow within the next three years.