Jamie Moyer upset about demotion

One day after being demoted to the bullpen in favor of Pedro Martinez, Jamie Moyer made it clear that he was not happy with the Phillies decision. In an interview with several Phillies beat writers, Moyer stated that he felt "mis-led", that when he signed a two year contract with the Phillies after last season, the team guaranteed they wouldn't pull him from the rotation. Moyer also felt "disheartened", but also said that he didn't want to be a distraction to the team. Uh, sorry Jamie, but you making these public statements immediately makes you a distraction.

While I was one of several who felt that Moyer being sent to the bullpen was the right choice, that doesn't mean it was an easy decision for the Phillies. The Phillies do have Moyer under contract for another year after this one, while Pedro is only under contract for the rest of this season, so to move the guy that is here longer is a risky move. Moyer should know, however, that the fact that he was promised he would never be removed from the rotation means nothing. If he went out there and got rocked in every start, would he really think the Phillies would keep him in the rotation because they promised him?

This move by the Phillies does say something about their loyalty to their players. In professional sports, though, if you want to win, sometimes you have to make a decision that goes against a player you really like. Just ask the Eagles, who regularly dismiss players like Brian Dawkins and are constantly looking towards the future. Give the Phillies credit for making a difficult decision. Perhaps the move will help to motivate Moyer the next time he gets a start, because you know that will happen sooner or later. You do have to feel for the Old Man, but if only he had pitched just a little better the Phillies would never been forced to demote him.