Phillies Report: Rollins & Myers Coming Around

May 23, 2009

Jimmy Rollins and Brett Myers.  In the early part of the season the mere mention of those two names sent fantasy baseball managers and Phillies fans into a frenzy of cursing, scowls, and furniture throwing.  But recent signs of life indicate that the concern may have been premature.  As I mentioned on April 20, stats don’t mean anything until the first week of June.  With that deadline quickly approaching, it is reassuring that Rollins and Myers are returning to form.

Rollins in particular was a source of concern.  Up until a week ago he was hitting near the mendoza line with just two homers and 3 steals – not exactly numbers to justify his selection as a first or second round draft pick.  Over the past week, however, Rollins has lit it up with a .433 batting average, 1 homer,  RBI’s, and 3 steals.  One week does not make a season, so it is still too early to say that he’ll have a strong overall year.  But this is the first sign of life we’ve seen from him all season.  I think now is a great time to trade for him; you would be buying low just as he appears to be coming out of his prolonged slump.

Myers is a guy i’ve had on my “sleeper” list in each of the past two seasons.  He disappointed last season and did not become the dominant pitcher many expected.  The transition from closer back to starter tired him out and caused him to give up frivolous runs in the middle innings.  I had hoped that his stamina would be better this year. 

Unfortunately, Myers started off this season firmly entrenched in the land of mediocrity with few signs of becoming an NL-only staff ace.  Myers finished April with a 4.83 ERA.  He pitched between 6 and 7 innings every start, but let up 3 or 4 runs each outing.  His first start in May was no better; in fact, he seemed to be getting worse:  he let up 5 runs and was yanked after 5.1 innings. 

Since his first start in May, however, Myers has been dominant.  Myers tossted 21 innings in his last three starts, letting up only 6 earned runs, 16 hits, and 4 walks.  He is still in letting up home runs (which is a source of continued concern), but they don’t hurt him as bad because there are less people on base to capitalize on them. 

We hope that Myers has found his pitching rhythm and will be reliable from now on.  For those Myers fantasy baseball owners needing reassurance, keep this in mind: Last season Myers had a 5.84 ERA before the All-Star break, and a 3.06 ERA afterwards. 

I take a wait and see approach with both Rollins and Myers, but my guess is that both have better things in store for them this season.

Written by Evan Rosen · Filed Under Player News | 3 Comments