Well, as we all know the Phillies have been raking lately. That may because of those youngsters that Phils have. They have been great replacements when players like Oswalt, Victorino, and Lidge have gotten injured. Their replacements have been Worley, Mayberry Jr., Stutes, Perez and Bastardo.
These are the stats the Phillies replacements have had before tonight’s 7-2 win versus the New York Mets:
Vance Worley – 4-1 2.20 ERA in 8 games started. He has been very impressive because of his toughness and how he has produced. Vance in 49 IP has only given up 2 home runs. I expect him to keep his great performance rolling with the Phillies. When Oswalt gets back, Kendrick goes back into the bullpen and some one will get sent down from the bullpen (maybe Baez?). Note: Would you consider him NL Rookie of the year? He qualified today as he has pitched past 50 innings.
John Mayberry Jr. – As of late he has been in the groove since the game before the All-Star break. Mayberry is sporting a .244 BA in 138 PA. John also has 5 home runs which is the most since being called up in 2009 (4). Ruben Amaro Jr., may not need to pick up a right-handed power bat. Quick note about Mayberry: He has been opening his swing, which has allowed him to take the ball the other way a bit better. Another note I would think that Francisco should be sent to AAA.
Michael Stutes – He has been dominant next to his other reliever Antonio Bastardo. His rookie season is a great one. At the young age of 24, he has an ERA of 3.26, 31 SO in 30.1 IP. Stutes has shown he can get out of dangerous innings when teams may strike for 3-4-5 maybe 6 runs. I look for him to keep up his great relief work, but will tire down before the post season.
Juan Perez – I know he hasn’t been up lately in the majors, but he has really shown up. He pitch a great 10th inning with a 9 pitch, 3 strike outs in 1 inning. This added him to a list of few of doing this feat. I expect him to stay in the majors with the great innings he has pitches. In the majors he has 4 games, with 3.1 IP, and a 0 ERA with 6 SO.
Antonio Bastardo – Last but not least. The current closer of the Phillies. He is doing consistent work. With a .082 ERA in 36 games pitched with 33.0 IP. This is what closers need to do, SHUT THE DOOR! I’m sure he hasn’t given up a hit in quite a while. All I remember the balls coming of the bat were foul pop-ups, or ground balls. Hardly any pop-ups. I think he is closer until one of the “other closers” can prove they are good enough again.
Cole Hamels goes tomorrow against the Mets at 7:05 PM, TV – CSN.
-P.S. How about those Pirates (first place by % points above the Cards)