A CALL TO ARMS(Updated Sept 15)

 

  J A Happ at this point has clearly impressed the brass enough to say he is not going anywhere to soon. While we have said goodbye to Carlo Carrasco and Jason Knapp we obviously were happy to say hello to Cliff Lee as a result.

The biggest surprise has been the pitching of the self proclaimed old goat Pedro Martinez. He seems to be getting stronger also.

Over all the starters are pretty solid and capable of holding a 3 or 4 run consistantly. And a couple of them have the talent to shut out a team in dominant fashion. Lee, Hamels, and even Martinez.  

The problem now seems to be the back end of the game. the bullpen has been shaky closing out games. Ironically last season the Phillies bull pen was lights out after the 8th inning. This year the 2 guys who turned out the lights last year, Lidge and Madson are the culprits. Although Madson has maintained his 8th inning dominance. Between them they have 17 blown saves. Take 8 of them and the Phillies would have 90 wins and would have already clinhced the NL East!

  Who is the next quality arm on the Phillies horizon?