[EmpireWF]

The Phillies have moved one of their best starters to the bullpen in a move, some say is reeking of desperation. Myers will act as the set-up man for Tom Gordon as Jon Leiber returns to the starting rotation.

Does anyone think this move will benefit the team more than if Myers starts?

[azrael492]

How could this move possibly help them. As it stated, he has been one of their best pitchers. Why not put Leiber in that position? It only makes sense to me to use your best for 5-6 innings instead of 1

[njpsufan]

Because they are trying to trade Lieber. There have apparently been several clubs asking about him so the Phils are showcasing him to show that he can still pitch well. Myers goes to the pen because, as we saw last nite, Gordon and the rest of the pen is horrible. Lieber goes 5 2/3, gives up 1 hit, 1 walk and strikes out 6...... and Manuel pulls him???!!! WHY?? He brings in Geary who walks a guy on 4 pitches, takes him and brings in Matt Smith who also walks a man. Now the bases are loaded. Alfonseca gets out of the inning, then pitches a gd 7th, Myers comes in and does a great job in the 8th. Enter Gordon in the 9th. First two man out and then gives up a game tying HR. Then he self-destructs in the 10th and the Phils lose. I am sorry but I am finally coming around to the fact that Manuel can not manage. Sure they are not hitting with runners on and they have no plate discipline. But Manuel's managing style is horrible. Why take Lieber out when he had a one-hitter and had only thrown 77 pitches.... 48 for strikes

[azrael492]

Originally Posted by njpsufan

Because they are trying to trade Lieber. There have apparently been several clubs asking about him so the Phils are showcasing him to show that he can still pitch well. Myers goes to the pen because, as we saw last nite, Gordon and the rest of the pen is horrible. Lieber goes 5 2/3, gives up 1 hit, 1 walk and strikes out 6...... and Manuel pulls him???!!! WHY?? He brings in Geary who walks a guy on 4 pitches, takes him and brings in Matt Smith who also walks a man. Now the bases are loaded. Alfonseca gets out of the inning, then pitches a gd 7th, Myers comes in and does a great job in the 8th. Enter Gordon in the 9th. First two man out and then gives up a game tying HR. Then he self-destructs in the 10th and the Phils lose. I am sorry but I am finally coming around to the fact that Manuel can not manage. Sure they are not hitting with runners on and they have no plate discipline. But Manuel's managing style is horrible. Why take Lieber out when he had a one-hitter and had only thrown 77 pitches.... 48 for strikes

I think that is the reason he is not with the Indians any longer

[njpsufan]

Agree..... problem is do we dump him now or do we wait for the Phils usual "slow start" to end??

[Gotham Dark Knight]

I think among other things you are gonna destroy Myers confidence, and it's not like he is the whole reason for their sluggish (or is it horrible?) start?

[MJHMarc]

Both.

The Phillies need to get their act together!

[njpsufan]

FYI... Myers was the one who volunteered to go to the pen. It was not a demotion, rather a good player taking one to help the team. So far he has pitched well and when Lieber is traded in a few weeks he will move back to the starting lineup.

[MJHMarc]

Lieber hasn't had a successful season in years.

[njpsufan]

What???? Do you even watch baseball???
2001 he went 20-6
2004 he went 14-8
2005 he went 17-13
What is your definition of success.... 25 wins???

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by njpsufan

What???? Do you even watch baseball???
2001 he went 20-6
2004 he went 14-8
2005 he went 17-13
What is your definition of success.... 25 wins???

Well, Leiber hasn't has a GREAT season since '01... 4.00-plus ERA in each of the last three seasons. But that definitely looks to be changing at least so far this year, considering he's only given up five runs in 14 innings. 10 strikeouts to three walks and a .200 BAA is pretty darn impressive as well. Think he can keep it up?

[njpsufan]

Sure. He is in much better shape physically this year. While the ERA seems high remember CBP is a hitters park. 14-8 and 17-13 to me are successful seasons.. yes they are not great but better then most pitchers. IMO the Phils can't lose with this move. If Lieber pitches well thats great. Myers is doing well so far in the bullpen... the first test for him will come on how he reacts after blowing a lead. Can he shake it off... yes I think. If Lieber pitches well then look for a trade in the coming weeks. If a trade can not be worked out we still have 5 good starters and a hard thrower in the pen. Thats fills a lot of holes.

[MJHMarc]

Originally Posted by njpsufan

What???? Do you even watch baseball???
2001 he went 20-6
2004 he went 14-8
2005 he went 17-13
What is your definition of success.... 25 wins???

2001 was six seasons ago, which is a long time when discussing baseball. Most baseball careers are around ten to fifteen seasons long. And unfortunately, Lieber is at the end of his road.

As Lefty stated previously, his ERA has always been relatively high, thus disabling him to be a serious contender for the Cy Young Award. His career average in a 162-game season is an 12-11 record with a juxtaposed 4.40 ERA. Those aren't outstanding numbers on the long run.

[njpsufan]

I don't think I ever used Lieber and CY Young in the same sentence, nor did I say he was not at the end of his road. He has been around for awhile, been hurt a few times but has generally been a successful pitcher. Not great, not outstanding but successful. While I will agree that 2001 was more then a few years ago, 2004 and 2005 are recent. 2004 that record was in a good pitchers park with the Yanks. To go 17-13 in CBP to me is damn good. 2006 he was hurt. This is his contract year so he wants to do well to get that big contract one last time... this is also why the Phils will trade him.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Lets bring this back to Myer...

Myer is a fighter...literally...he was 12-0 as an amateur boxer...maybe he has the right mentality to be a closer?...Perhaps?