CC Sabathia will be making his first start for the Brewers tonight. Just a few moments ago, the Cubs annouced their acquisitions of righties Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin.
Meanwhile, the Phillies called up J.A. Happ and R.J. Swindle from the minors.
If that's the best the Phills can do, then use a permanent marker to check off the 28th year without a World Series.
The Phillies have never been serious enough about pitching. While studs like Ryan Howard, Pat Burrell, and Chase Utley line the field; decrepit has-beens and unvetted never-weres like Freddy Garcia, Paul Abbott, Roberto Hernandez, Tom Gordon, Brandon Duckworth, Jose Mesa, and Brett Myers have graced the mound and blown countless games.
Yes, so right now the Phillies are leading NL East. Big deal. When the pennant race heats up in September, and (hopefully) the playoffs begin in October, this Phils pitching staff will get eaten alive by the likes of Chicago and Milwaukee.
The Phillies don't seem to understand that pitching has been the team's Achilles heel over the past six years. During the Jim Thome era, bats were swinging and balls were floating out of the park, yet consistent blown saves from Jose Mesa and downright disgusting relief efforts by Roberto Hernandez killed the team's playoff chances much more than not having a solid eighth-spot hitter.
So, it's time to get serious about pitching. The Phillies line-up is fine as it stands; power hitters, finesse hitters, speed players, and good depth.
The starting rotation is bearable but needs some work. Obviously, Cole Hamels headlines the bunch, and Phillies fans can take a sigh of relief when he trots out to the mound. Jamie Moyer and Kyle Kendrick are solid starters who, while they can't be relied on for a lights-out game, can be counted on for at least five good innings.
Then, we move down the rotation to find trouble; big trouble. Adam Eaton is unproven, untested, and unbearable to watch. And, of course, don't forget about the newly vacated fifth spot formerly held by Brett Myers. It seems that minor leaguers will be filling this gap for the time being (hopefully temporarily).
It's a lot to ask for a perfect rotation of five solid starters in today's era of free agency. Sabathia would have been nice, but the Indians probably weren't too interested the Phillies return offer.
But, a pitching move needs to be made, at least fill the empty fifth spot. Adam Eaton won't single-handedly kill the Phils' championship hopes.
But this equation is a fact: Eaton + Happ/Swindle = Disaster
If it takes a parting with Pat Burrell (who must waive his no-trade clause), then so be it. Jayson Werth will fill-in just fine.
If it takes trading several minor league prospects and a bench player, then so be it. This team is deep enough as it stands.
If it takes trading Ryan Howard in exchange for a proven #1 starter, then so be it. Howard's bat goes stone cold when he's needed most, and with his contract up for renewal soon, it may be wise to avoid an ugly re-negotiation.
Imagine what this team could have done had Curt Schilling stayed on board? A #1 pitcher will pay off amazing dividends.
So, who's available? One solid pitcher reportedly on the trading block is former Phillie Vicente Padilla of Texas. Padilla actually pitched quite decently at the Vet, and since his fastball apparently still has some juice, he'd be a nice addition to the Phils staff. The question is: what would Texas want from the Phils in return? That could be the proverbial deal breaker.
According to other reports, Seattle's lefty Erik Bedard is open for negotiations. Again, this is continuing the Phillies trend of unvetted prospects, but at least it's a start.
While Bedard pitched superbly with Baltimore last year, he has struggled with the Mariners. Bedard has steadied in the past few weeks, posting a 3.67 ERA, but remember this fact --he gave up an alarming amount of home runs in spring training. Will the homers begin to fly out of the park again in tiny Citizens Bank Park?
Then, the bullpen. I'm actually quite pleased with this year's relief staff. However, there are some weak links-- namely Ryan Madson and Tom Gordon. In fact, Gordon is starting to look like this year's "silencer" --the pitcher who, when his name is announced over the PA, makes the entire stadium go silent as the fans slowly anticipate the carnage that's about to occur.
One decent possibility, and in fact the only true proven prospect in my mind, is Brian Fuentes of Colorado. The Phils got a nice look at Fuentes in last year's NL Divisional Series when the Rockies smoked the Phils in three straight games.
Although he has lost the closer spot this year for Colorado, Fuentes would be a great late reliever. The Phils can rely on J.C. Romero and Chad Durbin for mid-relief. Fuentes could quickly become a formidable force on the Phils staff as a set-up man for the most reliable Phillies player in years, closer Brad Lidge.
Again, these are only rumors, and only a partial list of the many players who may be out on the trading floor.
The one thing to remember is this: the Phils must make a move before August to contend in October.
The bats will be there. The speed and intensity will be there. The only missing piece to end Philadelphia's 25-year championship drought is a pitcher that can stand on the mound and not make the city's collective blood pressure shoot up to 170/100.
Pat Gillick, let's get shoppin'!
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