Philadelphia Phillies Closer Situation

May 4, 2007 @ 16:00:00

By Joe Loncarich
Edited by Ryan Dodson

The Philadelphia Phillies made an interesting decision when they decided to move their most reliable starter over the past two years, Brett Myers, to the bullpen. It turns out, it was excellent foresight, as closer Tom Gordon (shoulder) was placed on the 15-day disabled list with inflammation in his right shoulder. Myers will become the team's closer while Gordon is out.

Gordon started out last season in spectacular fashion with a 2.17 ERA, a 1.10 ERA, 46 strikeouts in 37 1/3 innings and 21 saves in the first half of the season. He eventually tailed off and got off to a rough start this season with three blown saves in seven chances and a 4.82 ERA with a 1.71 WHIP.

Myers started off the season unsuccessfully, too. He had a 9.39 ERA in two starts but has really thrived in a relief role. He has 14 strikeouts in 9 1/3 innings and a 0.96 ERA. He picked up his first career save Thursday.

Myers was drafted in the 12th overall by the Phillies in 1999. He made his debut in 2002, and after struggling in 2004, he has established himself as one of the best pitchers in the National League. Since 2005, he has struck out nearly a batter per inning, and that has been the biggest reason for his much-improved ERA.

Table: Brett Myers Statistics with Philadelphia (2004-2006)

Year	Innings	Walks	Strikeouts	K:BB	GB%	LOB%	ERA	WHIP
2004	176	62	116	1.87	47.2	68.4	5.52	1.47
2005	215.1	68	208	3.06	46.3	77.9	3.72	1.21
2006	198	63	189	3	45.6	76.1	3.91	1.30

Myers had a total of one relief appearance going into this season. He pitched one inning in a 15-inning game against the Montreal Expos. Still, don't take this as a sign that he won’t be effective in his new role. Expect him to be extremely effective. In relief, he should only have to use his fastball and dominating curveball, which should lead to even higher strikeout rates, and it will be extremely tough for teams to put up runs against him. 

Even though he has been dominant in a relief role, it is not good news for fantasy owners. His primary job will be setup man when Gordon returns, which kills his value.

Gordon owners should not expect his immediate value to increase when he returns with Myers setting him up. The extra opportunities Gordon receives from his setup man not blowing games will be offset by the Phillies being less likely to pitch him on back-to-back days as they now should have a second reliable reliever. Gordon will be helped by Myers, because the days off that he gets should help him stay healthy throughout the season. 

Still, this is not a permanent move for Myers. He has so much value as a starter; fantasy owners should not panic and drop him. He doesn’t turn 27 until August and should just now be entering the prime of his career. The Phillies have six quality major league starters, and they will eventually find a way to trade one of them to help fill the holes on their roster, either with an outfielder or some relief help. Since Jon Lieber is the most likely candidate to get traded, they needed to put him in the rotation to showcase him to other teams. 

Fantasy owners should be sure to stick with Myers as he will provide help with strikeouts, saves, WHIP and ERA in the bullpen while getting back into the rotation later in the year. This is a very good time to trade for Myers as some fantasy owners might not realize his long-term value. 

As for Gordon, hold on to him for now. Owners should know when drafting him that he comes as a health risk at his age.

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Joe Loncarich
Joe has been a contributor to KFFL since 2007.

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