Call to the pen
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Competition in Set Phillies’ Rotation

By Tal Venada

Mar 15, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Clay Buchholz (21) throws a pitch in the first inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Clay Buchholz (21) throws a pitch in the first inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /
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Is Velasquez Writing the Word Breakout on the Mound To Describe His Upcoming Season? Photo by Kim Klement – USA TODAY Sports.
Is Velasquez Writing the Word Breakout on the Mound To Describe His Upcoming Season? Photo by Kim Klement – USA TODAY Sports. /

With four potential outcomes, Clay Buchholz could spend considerable time on the disabled list and/or struggle with his arm slot, which means he’d be here for four to six months. Or the moundsman could reach his full potential for a multi-summer deal, which would require a major financial commitment based on roughly 20 starts. In other words, if the youngsters are ready to handle and share the pressure, the Phils will explore Buchholz’s trade value. However, he could be good enough for a two-campaign contract in Philly if Eickhoff, Aaron Nola and Vince Velasquez need more development: Is a two-year return even possible?

Highlights:

  • Buchholz’s last starts: 7 Gms., 34 1/3 Inn., 2-1 and a 2.36 ERA after his first start back in the rotation.

"FOOD FOR THOUGHT:           “Nolan Ryan is pitching much better now that he has his curve ball straightened out.” – Joe Garagiola     “I never threw an illegal pitch. The trouble is once in a while I toss one that ain’t never been seen by this generation.” – Satchel Paige"

To be on the mound for game one of 2018, Velasquez would need a breakout 162 from beginning to season’s end. He’d have to mix his pitches and hone his secondary offerings. But what will he need most? Discipline.

For Nola, his control and health are the keys to fronting the starting staff next summer, and he showed that potential during his first 12 outings of 2016. He went 5-4 with a 2.65 ERA, which was a tantalizing sample of his capability.

Nola’s stats before his struggles:

  • 3-2 with a 1.98 ERA for 41 innings versus the Reds, Padres, Brewers and Braves.
  • 2-2 with a 3.41 ERA for 37 frames against the Nationals, Cardinals, Marlins and Tigers.
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