Time for Moyer to go
Jamie Moyer has become a liability for the Phillies. Not only is he unreliable, turning in a decent start about once a month and posting an ERA of 5.32, with opponents hitting a swollen .292 against him, but now he could weigh down the Phils’ rotation even more.
With the acquisition of Cliff Lee and the impending arrival of Pedro Martinez, J.A. Happ looks to be the odd man out when it comes to the starting staff. Happ is the young gun and Moyer is the wiley vet who has seniority. Charlie Manuel and the Phillies are hesitant to pull Moyer, and there has even been talk of installing a six-man rotation to accomodate him, but the fact is it’s time for Moyer to go.
He’s 46 and he pitches like he’s 46. His 10 wins are because of the Philies’ potent lineup, and they mask the ugly truth of Moyer’s eroding skills. Happ is the present and the future. It doesn’t mean Moyer can’t contribute, from the bullpen and with some spot starts, but he shouldn’t be taking the mound every fifth day.
Manuel needs to make a tough decision and yank the aging lefty, or Moyer should do the classy thing and offer to step aside and take on another role.
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