When the Phillies take the field tonight as the open a four game series against Houston, they will be putting out their opening day lineup for only the 8th time all year. The Phillies have recovered just in time to make a run at their 4th straight NL East crown. After last night’s victory over the Nats, the Phillies sit 2.5 games back in the division and hold a 2 game lead over San Francisco in the wild card race. Oswalt (9-13) exacted revenge over the team that spoiled his Phillies’ debut a only few weeks ago, pitching 7 scoreless innings in a 6-0 victory.

Tonight, the Phillies will face in old friend in Brett Myers. The former first round pick of the Phillies was essentially told to take a walk this off season after his contract expired and Ruben Amaro Jr. made it perfectly clear that he no longer wanted such an immature moron roaming his clubhouse. A Kenny Powers wannabe, Myers’ off the field issues overshadowed his success on the diamond, a major reason Amaro Jr. was happy to show him the door. Had he shown a little more class and maturity in his final years in Philly, he might have been worth a decent contract. His injury towards the end of last year made it an even easier decision for Amaro to let him go.

In all fairness to Myers, he pitched well during his time in Philly, and he’s been the Astros most consistent starter all year. Up until two weeks ago, he had pitched a minimum of 6 innings in every single one of his starts this year, pretty impressive. The talent was always there with Myers, but he’s a classic case of someone with a million dollar arm and a 2 cent head. It’s a shame because anyone that followed him closely during his time here knows how much he loved his time in Philadelphia, and he could still be here contributing to the first place team that drafted him if he wasn’t such a hothead. Well, his loss, and if nothing else I’m sure he fits right in with everyone down south.

The Phillies, on the other hand, certainly have not missed Myers this year. Their starting rotation continues to be their biggest strength down the stretch as they gun for the streaking Braves.

Twenty-four hours after learning that he had been left off the Phillies’ roster for the National League Championship Series, Brett Myers still was having trouble digesting the decision yesterday.

“I’m upset,” the pitcher said before Game 1 against the Los Angeles Dodgers last night.

Myers, 29, had hip surgery June 4. At the time, team officials thought his season was over. The righthander stayed dedicated to a rehabilitation program and made it back in early September. The club hoped Myers could help in the bullpen, but he had a 6.43 ERA in eight games. He pitched just two-thirds of an inning in the division series.

“It’s tough going through all that [rehab],” Myers said. “This is the whole reason I tried to get back, to be in the postseason. Now they took that away.


Click here to read the full article – By Jim Salisbury of Philadelphia Inqurier

Philadelphia Phillies Sports Memorabilia
and other Philadelphia Phillies Gifts and Collectibles
Below are links to memorabilia available for Brett Myers.

• Right-hander Brett Myers (strained right latissimus dorsi) rejoined the team Wednesday. He said he will throw bullpen sessions next Tuesday and Thursday. He expects to be ready to pitch after that. “I could throw a bullpen now,” Myers said. “The doc wants to wait. I’ll definitely be back before the end of the season. Definitely.” Asked if he could throw consecutive days upon his return, he said, “Yeah, why not? If it’s healthy, it’s healthy.”

• Right-hander Pedro Martinez (neck stiffness) threw off flat ground Wednesday. Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Martinez told him he felt better and sounded optimistic he would start Saturday against Milwaukee.


Click here to read the full article – By Todd Zolecki of MLB.com

Philadelphia Phillies Sports Memorabilia
and other Philadelphia Phillies Gifts and Collectibles
Below are links to memorabilia available for Brett Myers.