Phillies rotation concerns for 2019 vs. 1980 and 2008

Behind the ace:             

While Larry Christenson, a two-slot arm, missed roughly three months, the 1980 Phillies had Dick Ruthven, 29, having one of his best campaigns: 17-10 with a 3.55 ERA. Yes, that was the third year of his second tour lasting five summers with the Fightins.

For 2008’s starting staff, Brett Myers, 27, was 10-13 with a 4.55 ERA; but he certainly had his moments in that 162. And, especially, his nine-pitch walk to load the bases was emblematic of the ’08 NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers. Yes, he was the menacing cloud before the grand storm.

Regarding Jake Arrieta, he went 10-11 with a 3.96 ERA but played through a knee injury for four months. Yet if he’s healthy, he could match Ruthven, and he had better 2018 stats than Myers in 2008. So far, a plus!

Slotting third, rookie Bob “Whirly Bird” Walk, 23, was 11-7 with a 4.57 ERA. But because the NLCS against the Houston Astros had lasted five games, Walk started the first contest of the 1980 World Series. However, he struggled, but the offense outscored the Kansas City Royals to pick up the right-hander.

For 2008’s rotation, Jamie Moyer, 45, pitched his way into the three slot with a 16-7 mark and a 3.71 ERA. Plus his best October contest was Game 3 of the Fall Classic versus the Tampa Bay Rays: He went 6 1/3 innings and allowed three runs (all earned) without a decision.

Presently, Zach Eflin, 24, is the only hurler besides Nola and Arrieta to be starting without coming along slowly or mostly pitching in relief. And if things don’t change, he’ll slot third on the five-man staff.