Monitor Happ's Workload?

Right now, J.A. Happ should easily win the National League Rookie of the Year award.

He leads or is tied for the league among all National League rookies in ERA (2.59), shutouts (2), wins (10), strikeouts (93), WHIP (1.17) and is also second in innings pitched by one inning (135 2/3 to the Atlanta Braves' 34-year-old rookie Kenshin Kawakami).

The last stat could be cause for concern for the Phillies' phenom.


Since his first full professional season in 2005, Happ has thrown 78 1/3 innings, 160 2/3 innings, 122 1/3 innings and 166 2/3 innings, respectfully. Happ is in line to make eight more starts in the regular season and could make as many as six additional starts in the postseason. If Happ were only to pitch six innings in each of those starts, he would finish at 219 2/3 innings for the season or an increase of 53 innings over his previous career high. If that is the case, Happ should book his plane ticket to Birmingham, Alabama to see Dr. James Andrews for Tommy John surgery immediately.

The Phillies should be more economical in montoring Happ down the stretch run. Since June 3rd, Happ has failed to throw 100 or more pitches in a game only once (a blow up against the Caridnals on July 24th when he lasted just four innings). The Phillies' bullpen is fairly well rested (Phillies' starters have gone at least six innings this entire turn through the rotation) so there is no need to run Happ out there for a 7th inning if the Phillies have a comfortable lead and his pitch count is already high (this happened during Happ's last outing). To lower Happ's workload, the Phillies could also have him take an extra day or two off between starts and use Jamie Moyer for a spot start in Happ's place. This would also keep Happ fresher for the playoffs and they can increase Happ's workload if their playoff chances get dicey over the next month.

After all, the Phillies would not mortgage their future by giving up Happ for Roy Halladay so they might as well do everything in their power to make sure he can be a healthy part of their rotation for years to come.