Pitch or Die: The Jamie Moyer Story

I think Ruben Amaro is a pretty good General Manager. He sees that the current team has about another three year window, he understands the importance of a strong farm system, and he has a mancrush on Roy Halladay, like we all should. However, his Achilles Heel seems to be unending quest to give too many years to veteran players.

First, it was two years for Jamie Moyer's Cretaceous-era left arm, then it was three year contract for Raul Ibanez that will take him through his 39th birthday. And this past off-season it was three years for Placido Polanco. Fortunately for the Phillies, they have the flexibility with budget and minor league replacements that they can afford to make big mistakes like these. But it is still a disturbing trend.

I don't think I'd be going to far out on a limb to say that Moyer is cooked. He's obviously lasted longer than anyone could have ever imagined, and he should be applauded for his ability to be a major league pitcher into his late forties. But sending him out there every fifth day is basically telling the offense that they need to score a minimum of seven runs. No pressure.

So what can the Phillies do?

1. Release him and eat the $6-7 Million left on his contract. I don't think this will happen, particularly with the dearth of left handed relievers out there. Guys like Alan Embree and Eddie Guardado have kept their careers going just because of the arm they throw with, so they may be able to extract some return on their investment by putting him in the bullpen.

2. Kindly ask him to retire. Not a lot of incentive for Moyer to do this as the Phillies wouldn't have to pay him his cash, and his reaction to Pedro replacing him last year pretty much demonstrated that he's already become an old crank. Pretty much rule this one out.

3. Pitch Halladay every other day. I'm sure he could do it.

The good news is, the Phillies are good enough to keep running Moyer and Kendrick out there for a few more starts until Blanton is healthy and Pedro is ready to start pitching again. But until then, there are going to be some games that are difficult to watch.