So right now it seems the latest focus of Philly fans has been Donovan McNabb due to all of these trade rumors. While the Eagles #5 future remains unknown...the #5 spot in the Phillies rotation bears a similar uncertainty. Who will it be?...Moyer or Kendrick?
With Jamie Moyer busy pitching in 'B' games for the most part this spring, Kyle Kendrick looked to be the favorite to at least start the season as the fifth starter in the Phils rotation. Moyer blanked the O's in his first Grapefruit League game and solidified his position with another fantastic outing in yesterday's game against the Yankees.
In Friday's 3-0 blanking of the Yanks, Jamie Moyer showed that he is still the one to beat in the competition for the final spot in the rotation. Moyer threw 74 pitches in 6 2/3 innings and stifled the Yanks. Jamie one-hit them over his outing and struck out six "Bronx Bombers". Now for a person like me, this is something that I was not sure I would like seeing. I originally wanted Kendrick to be the #5 guy but Moyer has given no sign of why he shouldn't be the favorite...especially after putting on a clinic against the Yanks.
Let us look at this statistically...Kendrick has pitched 19 and 2/3 innings and has a record of 0-1..not like records matter. In these 19+ innings, Kyle has been quite dominant for the most part as he currently holds a 1.37 ERA in his five appearances. Moyer on the other hand, is 1-0 with a 0.77 in his two Grapefruit starts while in a combined 14 innings, Moyer has allowed six earned runs for a 3.86 ERA in 'B' games. So there are the numbers...and it makes it even tougher to decide who is the right fit. Moyer may have gotten knocked around in his 'B' games but has shown no stutter in his pitching in his two Grapefruit starts. From what I see, Jamie is hitting his corners and getting the calls and that is when this crafty veteran is wicked good. Kendrick has completely taken the role of a ground ball pitcher as he has improved greatly on his sinker while also working on his other pitches. The biggest gain for Kyle this spring is confidence. In earlier posts, I mentioned how he was just more confident in his stuff and had that fire in his eyes. He would be a great five starter for this team...as would Jamie...so who is it gonna be?
Here is what I see happening...both Moyer and Kendrick are going to start the season on the team because of the injuries to Lidge and Romero. I believe because of his track record, Moyer will beat out Kendrick for the final rotation spot. I am really pulling for Kendrick though because he has done so much to show he has what it takes. Kyle will probably start the season in the bullpen and perhaps stay there. When Lidge and Romero return, you have to believe that Kendrick may get optioned to AAA to get in starts. Although he may serve as a valuable bullpen asset, he was built as a starter and that is the way for him to get his work in on a regular basis.
So Moyer and Kendrick are going to start the season off on the team...but as for who is going where...I am as clueless as others. Both of these guys are pitching great and will hopefully continue to do just that as the season approaches.
That is all the time we have for this edition of Apter Hours...make sure to stick to Philly Sports Port on facebook for updates on your favorite Philadelphia teams.
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