And the race for the Phillies 5th starter is down to two: the Phillies have demoted pitcher Kyle Kendrick. Kendrick, who has an ERA over 9 in Spring Training, was optioned to Lehigh Valley along with catcher Lou Marson and infielder Brad Harman. The demotion leaves J.A. Happ and Chan Ho Park as the remaining candidates for the Phillies 5th starter.
Kendrick, despite being 21-13 in his career, has fallen like a rock since his rookie season. Last season, he was 11-9 but had an ERA of 5.49 and a 1.61 WHIP before being pulled from the rotation late in the year for Happ. The Phillies want Kendrick to start every 5th day at Lehigh with the hopes that he can learn how to get batters out again. He might not be a regular starter in the major leagues again, but he could be a useful long reliever out of the bullpen.
As for Marson and Harman, neither should be surprised about being demoted. Both ended the season last year with the big club, but Marson is still a few years away from being part of the Phillies plans and Harman may end up being a career minor leaguer.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Phils send Kendrick, two others to the minors
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I actually think this is a good thing. he needs more seasoning to work on a legitimate No 2 pitch to get batters out. His sinker is the only mlb pitch he has in his arsenal.
Or is it more confidence?
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