Happ for ROY

Phillies 8-23-09

The Phillies are now 21 games over .500, a season-high for the team now 6.5 games ahead of the Braves in the NL East. In case you haven't seen the highlight yet (I promise you will), Eric Bruntlett became the second player in MLB histroy to end a game by completing an unassisted triple play (the other one was in 1927). The Mets were making a comeback in the 9th after Ryan Howard and Bruntlett made back to back errors and BOOM...triple play--amazing. Brad Lidge converted his second straight save (25th overall), another good sign. J.C. Romero, Clay Condrey, and Brett Myers are all making their way back as they are ready to come off the DL any day...more positives.

Pedro Martinez gave up 4 runs in 6 innings, 1 walk, and 5 K's, although the lead off inside the park home run was really a double. His velocity dropped down to 87 in the 6th but he located his pitches very well, earning him his second win with the Phils.

Yesterday, J.A. Happ continued his campaign for NL Rookie of the Year, maybe he will even make the top 5 in CY Young voting (Top Competition: Tim Lincecum, Chris Carpenter, Matt Cain, Adam Wainwright, and Dan Haren).

Happ is 10-2, 2.59 ERA, and has a 1.17 WHIP on a first place team. His 2 complete game shutouts are tied for first place in the National League (Bronson Arroyo, Joel Pineiro, and Tim Lincecum).

The only player that I think could take the ROY award away from Happ is Pablo Sandoval of the Giants. The switch hitting third baseman is hitting .333, 19 home runs, 72 RBI, 37 doubles, and .939 OPS.

Regardless of whether Happ gets the personal awards, he has set himself up as an important part of the Phillies run at another title. I can't help but think how fortunate a Rookie pitcher like Happ is to have mentors like Jamie Moyer, Pedro Martinez, Cliff Lee, and Cole Hamels. Hopefully that translates into long term success with this organization from the soon to be 27 year old lefty.