Over the past several weeks, there has been a lot of debate over whether the Phillies should to use Joe Blanton or Kyle Kendrick as their 4th starter in the playoffs.
In my view, there isn’t any question about it. Joe Blanton is the better choice.
Blanton had a terrible start to his season, but he has slowly been performing more and more like the pitcher he was a season ago who consistently gave the Phillies quality outings.
Blanton has given up no more than 4 runs in his last 8 starts, and only twice has he given up more than 3. He’s had much better command of his pitches. When Blanton is able to effectively locate his slider and curveball, he becomes a much more effective pitcher. He won’t always be able to hold teams to just one or two runs, but he’ll be able to give the Phillies at least 6 innings and keep them in the game.
Kendrick on the other hand is a typical 5th starter. He’s good enough to survive in the major leagues, and help a team win in the regular season. However, he isn’t an option in the playoffs. Kendrick’s biggest weakness is that he can’t get left handed hitters out. He isn’t exactly blowing away right handed hitters either.
Kendrick can surprise with a strong 7 inning outing, giving up between one and three runs every now and then, but too often Kendrick gets knocked around by the league’s better lineups.
Blanton had a rough start to the season, but he has been a reliable option for the Phillies in the playoffs in 2008 and 2009. With Blanton rounding himself into form as the Phillies get closer and closer toward the end of the season, there isn’t any doubt in my mind that he is a better option in the playoffs as opposed to Kendrick, who has been struggling over the last three seasons just to stay in the major leagues.
It was a good sign he got out of the 1st without giving up 3 runs last night.WTF was Werth doing getting caught stealing on a walk. Dude!!!
It was a good sign he got out of the 1st without giving up 3 runs last night.WTF was Werth doing getting caught stealing on a walk. Dude!!!
It was a good sign he got out of the 1st without giving up 3 runs last night.WTF was Werth doing getting caught stealing on a walk. Dude!!!
Werth has a tendancy to falls asleep at the wheel when e’s on the base paths…
I think Blanton should be converted to the Bullpen for the playoffs..
I would go with the 3 starters (Halladay,Hamels & Oswalt) and use Kendrick & BLanton for long-middle relief or situational pitching)
You need 4 starters for the p-offs brosiff. 5 games maybe not. And falling asleep at the wheel is different then getting nailed while your waiting too take second after a walk. Him and Shane Vic are morons sometimes…always tryna do too much or just dumb mistakes.
No you don’t Erock is getting to close to the Sun again,
1st Series is best of 5, then NL Championship Sereis is best of 7 with travel days after the 1st 2 games of the series, Depending on the TV Schedule, rain-outs, there may be a game or 2 where the pitchers may only have 3 days rest.. But Hallady,Oswalt and Hamels can handle that…
yea i think it depends on situations
1st round i dont think he pitches
2nd round if we r up 2-1 yes maybe he goes out there for game 4
but god forbid we see blanton in a huge playoff gm please just let me pitch instead
looks like we shoulda kept brett wife beater myers and shown the door to broadway blanton
B Meyers actually has had a very good year this season..
His won-Lost Record isn;’t that great for he’s playing on a pretty bad team..
His ERA,Walks,Home Runs Given Up,Batting Average by opposing Hitters are all down