That battle began as a four-man scrum among the righty/lefty incumbent pair of David Buchanan and Adam Morgan, and the righty/lefty newcomer pair of Vincent Velasquez and Brett Oberholtzer.Buchanan was knocked out early, as his Grapefruit League performances only served to remind everyone that he is a mediocre big league option at best. The club decision-makers then made the choice to … Continue reading Phillies settle on Vincent Velasquez as fifth starter
Phillies 2016 lefty bullpen options
Somewhat surprisingly, the Phillies have announced that starting rotation candidate Brett Oberholtzer is being moved to the bullpen, leaving the 5th starter battle as a head-to-head showdown between Adam Morgan and Vincent Velasquez.Besides the obvious effect on that rotation battle, the move of Oberholtzer to the pen also muddles an already intense battle for relief pitcher spots. Other lefties who have been fighting for a … Continue reading Phillies 2016 lefty bullpen options
Brett Oberholtzer Favored in Phillies 5th Starter Battle
The Philadelphia Phillies will have an interesting, competitive battle in spring training for the 5th starter role in the pitching rotation.As pitchers and catchers begin their first workouts this morning, the working assumption among all of the experts and insiders that follow the team closely is that the first four spots in the 2016 starting … Continue reading Brett Oberholtzer Favored in Phillies 5th Starter Battle
Phillies 2015 report card: Starting pitchers
To fashion the worst Philadelphia Phillies season since 1972, a deficiency in talent and results from the 2015 starting pitching rotation was a key element. However, mixed in with those deficiencies were a few notable bright spots.Fifteen different pitchers took the mound at the start of a game for the Phillies this past season. Thirteen of those made … Continue reading Phillies 2015 report card: Starting pitchers
Phillies 2015: Glass Half-Empty
Yesterday, I gave my opinion of what a "Phillies Glass Half-Full View" would look like.Today, I'm going to swing to the opposite end of the spectrum from yesterday's sunshine and roses possibilities. What if everything that can go wrong, does go wrong for the 2015 Fightin' Phils? Well, folks, that could get downright ugly indeed.Just four … Continue reading Phillies 2015: Glass Half-Empty
MATT VEASEY 