Chan Ho Park made his first start since tweaking his left hammy on Tuesday, and he did not disappoint. Unless you are pulling for him to implode. In that case, he sucked ass. In reality though, he pitched extremely well in his four innings of work. He gave up four hits while striking out seven and walking one batter. He did allow three runs to cross the plate, but looking it looks like he was the victim of some timely hitting bad luck.
- Chan Ho Park, Streetfighter
One thing that Zolecki brings up, briefly, is the question of what will happen to J.A. Happ if Park wins the coveted fifth starter role with the Phillies. Happ could either be put in the bully, where he helped the Phils win the 2008 World Series, or he could be sent to AAA Lehigh Valley to continue to start games. The question is what would be better for Happ’s development, and that is a question I’m on the fence about. Is it better for him to stay stretched out with a nine inning approach, or is he better off staying in the Bigs even if it is in a bullpen role.
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As a Phillies fan, I think we need Happ in the pen until Romero comes back. We are a contender NOW and have to have that gaping hole filled, even if there are some minor adverse effects to Happ. He has made it clear he would rather be in the majors as a reliever than in the minors as a starter, so he is all for it in addition to being the best for the team. Happ is a power lefty that will be very valuable in the 7th (possibly 8th depending on matchups) with his ability to strike guys out. Granted I am pleased with Eyre, but he is not someone you want to count on daily as the late inning lefty.
If I were Ruben Amaro, Ben, I would sign Ohman, and send Happ to AAA. That way he is ready to step in when Myers goes Anne Heche on the Phillies, or when Moyer figures out that he is older than dirt. Or when Blanton becomes Blanton again. They don’t want to spend the cash for Ohman though, so Happ may very well be sent to the bully.
The problem with that is if you want to remain a contender, you are going to need a starter that can step in and contribute when he get’s the call. If Happ is in the bullpen, he will need considerable time to get ready to return to the starter’s role. Unless, of course, he is only used in long relief, but that would be wasting him in my eyes. So if Happ is in the bully, then you have to run Kendrick or Carrasco out there for any spot starts. Granted, losing a spot start versus giving up games late due to lack of arms is preferable.
So, if they can not acquire a lefty for the pen, then they may have no choice but to send Happ there. We’ll know soon enough!