The Zo Zone

I don't see how Charlie keeps Eaton in the rotation. He just can't afford (or justify to the team as you point out) running him out there and hoping he works thru it. Tight as these gys are, they can't have much confidence wen he is pitching. And I'm not sure that putting him in bullpen helps any, he has been blitzed in his early innings in most starts, so what makes him a safe bet in bullpen?

I'm more curious in what Dubee "thinks" he sees when Eaton is warming up before starts. He must look like he has OK stuff but gets into game and throws BP pitches. Mental, physical, what? Either way, I have little faith. Eaton goes to the bullpen and comes into a game and implodes, he will be booed out of this town. This is the Andy Ashby story, part II.
I actually think a "Barajas" stint on the DL, where he can go down and work on his "rehab" for two weeks might be the best answer. We need him but not the way he is pitching now, he stays like this I would never let him pitch again this season.

Getting Utley back before the end of the month would be huge. I know it remains a longshot, but it's worth it to try Iguchi at third base in the eighth and ninth innings. It's important to try to keep him in the lineup.

Love it this time of year, when the paper starts posting wildcard standings - be nice if the Phils were running away with things, but I'll take what I can get.

Funny, JM - I was thinking the same Eaton/Ashby. I don't think it's realistic to send him down (Christ, pitchers are fragile enough), but a little bullpen stretch might help. Definitely can't hurt.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for Utley.

Okay - I've been dying to say this; maybe it's time.

The Phillies team era is 23rd in the Majors - just plain aweful. Subtract Eaton and it rises to 17th (yes that's six places) - merely mediocre. Meanwhile, in the past two months, J.D. ("I think I found it!") Durbin has posted a 3.06. (Put that in bold type please: 3.06!!!) Maybe whatever it was that all these teams keep seeing when they pick up Durbin on waivers has finally kicked in. Maybe he found the missing link, whatever it was, that he never found whenever people called him up in the past. Maybe, in other words, he's a different J.D. Durbin than the guy whose been on three other teams this year. The only way to find out is to start him. And, if you compare just July and August numbers, he's a far, far better plan than we've ever seen before (in Eaton that is). (Entitle this response - tale of two pitchers.)

Not sure why there's any concern at all for Durbin - he's earned more of a right to be in the rotation than any other candidate. And can we please PLEASE put the Myers "song" talk to bed. Please? By the way, how'd the Birds do last nite?

I'm with ya Andy and John, I'm much more comfortable with Durbin, based on what he has done as a starter so far. He's have to be twice as bad to equal Eaton. Also on the music, they can play Jingle Bells for all I care, as long as Brett closes well.
As far as Eaton,I'm just not sure what a bullpen stint gives us. Like I said, he seems to be fine in the bullpen before his starts then blows up on the mound. Those sessions are fine for coming back from injuries but his problem is facing live batters. I don't think he can be sent to the minors because of service time, but if he had a "injury" for 15 days, he could go face live batters and get his stuff/confidence together (or not). He misses maybe 3 starts up here, if he comes back OK, we still get 6 starts. All I know is I don't want to see him listed as probable starter anymore the way he pitches now. Or coming in in the sixth inning to try for a hold.

The birds got "Eaton" alive by the Ravens, looked just like one of his games, except no late rally by the offense.

Charlie has stuck with his guys through thick n thin. thats why the team loves to play for him. If Eaton were to be benched, my bet, it will come from upstairs. Robin Roberts, during a telacast, mentioned there was an element of luck in baseball, game of inches, it truly is. Give him another shot! Its the safest move to make . These guarranteed contracts are back-breakers. We've already have had our share of luck, with rookies. Chalies has done an unbelievable job. Im backing his decision, he's on a roll....Its nice corresponding with knowledgable baseball fans. PHILS..8-3 WIN

This series scares the crap out of me. It has let down written all over it. The Nats are playing pretty inspired ball lately, and that park could give our guys fits. I think the potential is there for a disappointing road trip.

I’m in the sit Eaton camp as well, even if it’s just for a start. On the other side I don’t have a lot of faith in Durbin either. I think he’s still pretty much a mystery. He could pitch anywhere from great to terrible every time he toes the rubber. Right now, I’ll take the mystery over the known when the known is that Easton is trash right now. I’d send Eaton to the bullpen and not let him out unless the team is up or down by like 6 runs, or there is no one left to turn to.

Also, if Garcia can come back and throw, I’d go to him for a start or two unless Durbin is awesome. Even if his fast ball isn’t there, Garcia is a vet who has had great success in the not so distant past. Plus, he would be pitching for a contact and I think you can never underestimate the contract year push.

T, join Phillies Nation and us Washingtonians in lot 3 for Wednesday's game at 5:30!

I know the sky isn’t falling with Eaton. But don’t let me fool you – it’s pretty bad. Keep in mind, though, that it could be a lot worse. Look at the numbers former Phillies starters have posted this season. Nothing glamorous:

Kevin Millwood: 7-9, 5.90
Vicente Padilla: 3-8, 6.69
Randy Wolf: 9-6, 4.73
Eric Milton: 0-4, 5.17 (60-day DL)

And remember 2003, when the likes of Joe Roa, Brandon Duckworth and Amaury Telemaco occupied regular rotation spots? Those were the dark days.

It could be a lot worse.

With a 4.73 ERA in Philly, Wolf would probably be 11-4.

Hey BDub, one down two to go.

What about this Branyan action?

I would stay with Eaton. I would have Durbin
in the wings if the game doesn't start well. A
quick hook can limit damage. Durbin is a better fit from the pen. Eaton is a must for a legit playoff appearance. Eaton is needed in the future and this year.

The team needs to manufacture more runs. Bunting and moving runners is extremely significant down the stretch. Winning close games is a must. The pen is better.

WHAT'S UP RUSSELL BRANYAN?

Made it down to DC last night with some friends, great atmosphere the whole night, it was literally 60-40 Phillies fans. Got down there around 5pm, watched BP from right behind the visitors dugout and just had a blast. Ryan Howard made it a point to come over and sign me and my buddies stuff, just a great, standup guy. Looking forward to the final 44 games.

Thanks for the invite, Civil. But that's pregame writing time, so I won't be able to stop by. But it sounds like fun!