Offense Must Back Happ Tonight

Posted by Tim Malcolm, Wed, September 17, 2008 03:02 PM

Tonight is JA Happ’s turn to take part in the wild, playoff race the Phillies are running.

The last time he pitched was Sept. 9 against the Marlins. He surrendered three runs in 3.1 innings of mop-up work for Kyle Kendrick. Before that, he was in for Kendrick, mopping up a scoreless inning with two strikeouts on Sept. 1.

Now he’ll get starting duties. Consider this, in a way, a tryout for the 2009 rotation. If Happ can champion a tough, pennant-race game on the road, he’ll go far in cementing his starting status for next season. Still, we can’t expect him to go deep and be dominant. But the need for bullpen conservation is high. That said, maybe the offense can stalk out to a huge lead.

The offense has had mixed success against Jair Jurrjens. On July 3 they scored four runs off him in an 8-4 win, but on July 25 they scored nothing, only getting three hits in a 10-5 loss. If the offense can channel that July 3 performance — and then some — then Happ wouldn’t be so pressured to go six or seven frames. And guys like Rudy Seanez and Clay Condrey can find their way into the game to give Ryan Madson, Chad Durbin and Scott Eyre a rest.

One reliever to look out for is JC Romero, who is absolutely available. He might even have to pitch the ninth inning, as Brad Lidge threw 33 pitches last night.

Hopefully the Phils can get enough runs to not make any of that the case.

Permalink Comments (11) | Trackback (0)

11 Responses to “Offense Must Back Happ Tonight”

  1. Chris.I Says:
    September 17th, 2008 at 3:14 pm

    I like Happ for some reason, but I’m not too confident in him going into tonights game. If he goes atleast 7 innings, I think he has a good shot. Hopefully he comes through for us tonight to keep us ahead in the divison.

  2. Joe Says:
    September 17th, 2008 at 3:34 pm

    The Phillies Magic number is: 12 !!!! HOW SWEET IT IS.

  3. J-Man Says:
    September 17th, 2008 at 3:37 pm

    The offense is definitly gonna have to show up tonight because we don’t know how Happs gonna do he’s still an unproven player…If we have a save situation i wonder myself whos gonna close because their no question Lidges won’t be avaliable after throwing 33 pitches last night and i’m not sure about Romero he seems to have alot of control problems and can get very wild at times,he’s really only good against left handed hitters.

  4. Fran Says:
    September 17th, 2008 at 3:39 pm

    I was down at both of Happs starts. I think he will surprise a lot of people tonight. I’m sayin he goes 7 strong but he will give up 2-3 runs

  5. Mike W. Says:
    September 17th, 2008 at 3:44 pm

    Did you guys know Romero has only pitched twice in September? He definitely has an injury they aren’t telling us about.

  6. philsphan Says:
    September 17th, 2008 at 3:51 pm

    I think Happ will do fine, I’m more worried about how the offense will do against Jurrjens since he has had some success against this lineup.

    Since Jurrjens is a righty I would sit Burrell tonight and start Matt Stairs in his place. I would start Dobbs at 3rd instead of Feliz as well. I would also give Ruiz another start, he’s been hot lately.

  7. Chris.I Says:
    September 17th, 2008 at 4:03 pm

    Mike W,
    JC pitched 5 games in September, not 2. And don’t forget Myers last 3 outings…2 complete games, and one 8 inning. There just resting him, and getting other players ready for the stretch.

  8. Fran Says:
    September 17th, 2008 at 4:13 pm

    we have had no need for romero

  9. Mike W. Says:
    September 17th, 2008 at 4:21 pm

    Wonder where/why I read 2. Could that 2 appearances have meant, 2 innings? Either way (2 innings, or 5 appearances), it’s not very often for their supposed #1 setup man.

  10. Gary B. Says:
    September 17th, 2008 at 5:29 pm

    philphan: you know the offense is clicking when you say give Ruiz another shot, he is hot lately. Pretty much the whole year ago couldn’t do anything and now he is actually making some solid contact! Amazing!

  11. Craig Says:
    September 17th, 2008 at 5:32 pm

    How about Jamie Moyer for CY Young?

    14 wins with a 3.89 ERA and the guy’s in his 60’s.

    Simply amazing.

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