Let the Cardboard Cutouts Pitch

Have you guys finally had enough of Vince Velasquez? I have. I was done last season. 

The Phillies spotted Velasquez a four-run lead on Sunday against the Marlins and it vanished the very next inning. He gave up a homer and then hit the next guy. He lasted three innings and only 36 of his 60 pitches were for strikes. If he pitches like this against the worst team in the division, how is he going to do against the good teams? 

He's had 104 appearances with the Phils, and as much as I loathe the phrase, he is what he is. Which is not very good. The Phillies need to stop waiting for him to "get it." It's not going to happen if it hasn't happened already. At least with the Phillies. He's had way too many chances in his four-plus seasons with the Phillies. 

It's time for the Vince Velasquez experiment to end. It's time for the Spencer Howard experience to begin. 

And the Phillies bullpen is absolute garbage right now. GM Matt Klentak went for inexpensive youth over slightly more expensive experience. Guess what? You get what you pay for. Here's your Phillies bullpen after three fun-filled games:

FRI - 3.2 IP, 1 run, 4 hits, 2 walks, 2 Ks, 2 wild pitches

SAT - 2 innings, 0 runs, 1 hit, 1 walk, 3Ks

SUN - 6 IP, 7 runs, 9 hits, 2 walks, 4Ks

That's (reaching for calculator) a 6.17 ERA and a WHIP of 1.287. 

Let's not let the offense off the hook, either. Phillies hitters were 3 for 22 with runners in scoring position over the weekend. The only bright spots were Adam Haseley and Phil Gosselin. And maybe Rhys Hoskins, if walks get you excited. Yay?

Things don't get any easier this week. The Phils have four games against the Yankees, with the first two at CBP and then in New York on Wednesday and Thursday. The Phils need a minimum of a split against the Yankees to avoid getting buried in the standings just a week into the season.