Phillies' Pitcher Vance Worley May Be Headed Back to Minors Despite Strong Performance
Philadelphia Phillies’ right handed pitcher, Vance Worley, has certainly caught the attention of Phillies faithful.
Worley, a 23 year-old, who flirted with the major leagues last year (1-1, 1.38 ERA in 5 games with the Phillies in 2010) has certainly pitched well since taking Joe Blanton’s spot on the roster after Blanton went on the 15-day DL with a medial impingement in his right elbow. In his two starts in the last six days, Worley is 2-0, has given up 1 run in 12 innings while walking 4 and striking out 12. Those are solid numbers for a young guy with minimal major league experience. A growing contingency of Phillies fans (calling themselves “Worley’s Warriors”) would like to see Vance Worley stay in Philly rather than going back to the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, but there are some factors working against him.
For starters, it is highly unlikely that the Phillies would displace Joe Blanton and his $8.5 million salary no matter how well Worley has pitched. Frankly, it wouldn’t be a very smart move for the Phillies to make. Joe Blanton has been the subject of numerous trade rumors since the Phillies shockingly re-signed Cliff Lee in December, giving them an abundance of starting pitchers. The Phillies reportedly explored the trade market for Blanton prior to the start of Spring Training but didn’t find the interest and return that they were hoping for.
As the MLB trade deadline approaches, contending teams may be much more liberal in what they would pay for a solid starting pitcher like Blanton, especially if they are in need of more pitching. In other words, the Phillies almost need Blanton to come back and pitch well to increase his trade value. If he does, the Phillies could likely move Blanton and pick up a power bat, preferably a right-handed one, in order to add some desperately needed pop to their lineup.
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