Location: Philadelphia, Pa. | Ballpark: Citizens Bank Park (43,500) | Spring Training: Clearwater, Fla.
Owner: Bill Giles, David Montgomery | GM: Pat Gillick | Manager: Charlie Manuel | World Championships: 1
In 2005, John Smoltz returned to the Braves' starting rotation after spending four years as a closer. And although he won 14 games and pitched in the All-Star Game that season, he told the Wilmington (Del.) News Journal that the move back to starting "was a stinkin' war."
Myers posted double-digit victories in four consecutive seasons before spending most of 2007 as the Phillies' closer. But upon returning to the rotation this season, he is 2-4 with a 5.91 ERA, tied for fourth worst among National League starters.
"People don't understand the differences," Smoltz said. "They just assume if you're throwing, you're throwing. As a starter, you better have your 'A' game almost every time. If you don't have your 'A' game, you've got to have a darned good 'B' game. As a closer, you can get by with a 'B' or a 'C' performance because you have to get three outs.
"The thing I can say is my track record, just like (Myers') track record, was pretty good before the change. I'm pretty sure they'll be pretty good afterwards. There's a big adjustment to be made, and he'll make it. It's not like you're talking about someone who hasn't had success."
Myers allowed eight runs (six earned) in 4 1/3 innings Wednesday night against the Braves. In five of his nine starts, he hasn't survived the sixth inning.
Most alarming, Myers, manager Charlie Manuel, pitching coach Rich Dubee and catcher Chris Coste have been unable to pinpoint the problem.
"I think Brett is doing what he needs to do," Dubee said. "He's working at it. We have to get his aggressiveness and his confidence back. He's tried different things, but he hasn't gotten outs. So, how do you get your confidence back without getting those outs? We need for Brett to keep grinding his way through it.
"Brett knows we need him. He's feeling a little bit of that weight. He's trying to win six games in one start. He needs to allow his physical talent to take care of itself."
PHILLIES 5, BRAVES 0: Cole Hamels tossed a four-hit shutout to give the Phillies a victory in the rubber game of a three-game series at Citizens Bank Park. Hamels retired 15 consecutive batters between the first and sixth innings to record his first career shutout and third career complete game. The Phillies built a lead on home runs by Pedro Feliz, Ryan Howard and Shane Victorino against Braves lefty Chuck James. Jimmy Rollins, Jayson Werth and Feliz picked up two hits apiece.
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(POLL)
Who do you think should be the Phillies starting catcher? Carlos Ruiz because he is said to be a better defensive catcher than Chris Coste. Or would you go with the over .300 hitter (Coste) over the .2
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Has anyone noticed that Brett Myers is getting shelled damn near every time he takes the mound? Something is terribly wrong with him. I don't know if it is physical or mental but the Phillies need to find out soon and try to fix it. He's supposed to be the ace of the sta
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We can use another starting pitcher like Cole Hamels.if we can do that we will go to the world series.Hemles as night to remember Hemels complete game shoutout was the frist for the Phillies at Citizens bank park since
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i just read that the guys set him on a blind date.i know he as been blind at the plate so far.i realy don't think that was a good thing to do because.he can;t get the hot bat at the plate how is he going to get that other bat hot for the blind date.i like Howard he need to sit down with mike S.for some avise.
