Phillies officially name Moyer 5th starter

The race for the Phillies 5th starter is over and the Old Goat has beaten the upstart kid. Charlie Manuel announced the news today that the biggest battle in Phillies camp is over, confirming that Jamie Moyer will be in the rotation at the start of the season while Kyle Kendrick will be in the bullpen.

It was hardly an unexpected move, considering Moyer's salary and how well he pitched in his last few Spring Training starts. Whether he truly earned it with his spring performance, Moyer certainly deserved the first crack to prove he still has something left in the tank. At 47 years old, Moyer has already beaten Father Time back a few times, who's to say he can't do it again?

Kendrick's versatility might have been his downfall. While Moyer would not have been useful out of the pen given how long it takes him to warm up, Kendrick is still young enough to get his arm going on short notice. While it can be argued that Kendrick deserved to be the 5th starter given his performance this spring, he will certainly be the first arm on hand if an injury happens or if Moyer can't answer the bell at some point.

Whether you agree the Phillies decision or not, you have to take the time to appreciate Jamie Moyer and what he is able to do at nearly 50 years old. With this being his last year under contract, we are likely seeing the last of Moyer in Philadelphia. Of course, you never know, he could keep pitching for several more years. While many in Philly doubt his abilities at this point, never count out a guy who has proven the doubters wrong over and over again.