Talking Baseball

What happened Brett?

Aren’t you still a pitcher?

Are you too dead set on being a closer the rest of your career?

Maybe you should focus on starting since you are currently in the starting rotation.

Myers’ numbers for the 2008 season, including his latest start, a 4-0 loss to the Washington Nationals in D.C.

2-5, 5.76 ERA, 10 G, 10 GS, 0 CG, 0 SHO, 0 SV, 0 SVO, 59.1 IP, 74 H, 42 R, 38 ER, 15 HR, 2 HBP, 21 BB, 50 SO

After reviewing Myers’ season-long pitching line it is time to examine some possibilities as to why he hasn’t been the same effective pitcher he was last year whether that was as a starter or a reliever.

Reason #1: Loss in velocity of fastball…Brett’s fastball hasn’t been as strong as it was last year or in years past. He is leaving his fastball out across the middle of the plate and up in the strike zone…which in layman’s terms translates into home runs. Oh, look at that, he has allowed 15 long balls this season. What do ya’ know! If he can figure out how to spot his fastball he will turn a corner and revert back to his dominate ways of 2006 and 2007.

Reason #2: His windup and follow through/finish are not fluid…When Brett was effective starting or relieving last year his windup and follow through were one fluid, poetic motion. He finished square to home plate, where all pitchers should finish, and it helped him throw stronger fastballs and more devastating curve balls.

Reason #3: His demeanor…last year Myers took the mound, whether to start or close, and took it with a vengeance. He has the attitude that said to opposing hitters, “I will not be beaten!” This year his demeanor is different. He doesn’t have that same cocky swagger he had one year ago and I think opposing hitters can see it in his eyes.

If Brett can pull it together over his next three starts or so then he can return to his dominant form of 2007. Stop worrying about being a closer Brett and worry about pitching every fifth day, going six or seven innings deep per start. It is something the Phillies need and need desperately.

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