Is Jamie Moyer The Right Man For The Job?

The reports out of Florida are that Jamie Moyer is a lock as the 5th starter in the Phillies' rotation. Now it may be heretical, sacrilegious, or un-American to even pose the question, but here goes - is Moyer the right man for the job?

In his three years with the locals, the now 47 year-old left-hander has made major contributions. In the world championship 2008 season, Moyer was 16-7 in 200 innings with an ERA of 3.71. On an age-adjusted basis, this approached Cy Young Award quality. For limited periods during his tenure in South Philly, Moyer may have even been the team's most consistent starter.

In addition to his on-the-field work, the Souderton native has been a model citizen, philanthropist, valuable clubhouse presence, and mentor to young pitchers (which can include anyone under 40).

But none of this should assure Moyer a spot in the rotation and management has indicated this to be their position. Last year, when the veteran struggled, he was in fact removed from the starting core, and in one of his rare ungracious moments, he went public with his displeasure.

But Moyer's demotion in 2009 was a no-brainer. He was being hit hard and Charlie Manuel's hand was forced, his pitcher's protestations not withstanding.

This spring, Moyer has been competing with Kyle Kendrick and by all accounts, there is little daylight between them. Both pitchers have been solid. So now the choice is not so clear-cut. If there is no appreciable difference in performance, wouldn't it make sense to go with the 25 year-old, who presumably is the future and would benefit from the added experience? Or do Moyer's elder statesman status and lofty salary (some $7 million more than Kendrick's) tilt the scales in his favor?

It is an interesting dilemma, but one which could be rendered moot. The defending National League champions are hardly overloaded with starting pitchers and it is not hard to envision a scenario where Moyer or Kendrick are needed quickly to plug leaks in the rotation due to injury, sore arms or ineffectiveness.