J.A. Happ impressing the Phillies

[all4phillysportsfan]

Philadelphia Inquirer | 03/13/2007 | Phillies happy with Happ

happy with HappFar from his best, he gave up runs yesterday against Houston. "That happens," Manuel said.
By Todd Zolecki
Inquirer Staff Writer
CLEARWATER, Fla. - Eventually, the Phillies might have an opportunity to trade one of their six starting pitchers for bullpen help.

That pitcher is expected to be Jon Lieber.

If they make a trade, they understand the risk involved. Namely, they suddenly could find themselves shorthanded if they lose one of their remaining five starters for a significant time because of injury. But if the Phils find a valuable enough piece to improve their bullpen, they are willing to take that risk heading into the season.

If they lose another starter at some point, someone like lefthander J.A. Happ might be able to fill the void, at least in the short term.

Happ, 24, was the team's third-round pick in 2004. He jumped from single-A Clearwater to double-A Reading to triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre last season. He started yesterday against the Houston Astros in a 6-6 tie in 10 innings at Bright House Networks Field.

Things did not go according to plan. In two-plus innings, he allowed six hits, six runs and walked three.

In his first two Grapefruit League appearances, Happ allowed two hits and one run in 52/3 innings.

"Hopefully, I can get another chance or a couple more chances to make a good impression," Happ said afterward in the Phillies clubhouse. "Two out of the three outings I had, I was really happy with. Unfortunately, this one was by far the worst, but I'd like to get another shot and prove to them that this wasn't me on a consistent basis."

The Phillies said there is no reason for Happ to worry.

"He gave up some runs. It doesn't mean we don't like him," manager Charlie Manuel said. "That happens. If he didn't give up any runs, just think, we could win 30-some games. We might even get him up to 40 starts if he doesn't lose any. But let me tell you something: He threw the ball pretty good. He gave up some runs; that happens. That doesn't hurt him."

"He got a little introduction to major-league baseball, which is good," pitching coach Rich Dubee said. "That's why he started. Not that I wanted to see him fail, but I wanted him to go through stuff like this so he could get some experience. It's good for him to experience stuff to see what you can and can't do."

Happ is 16-15 with a 2.49 ERA in three seasons in the minors. He has struck out 277 batters in 2742/3 innings.

He doesn't overpower hitters. His fastball is consistently in the high 80s and will hit 91 to 92 m.p.h. on occasion.

"People like to say I'm not overpowering, but at the same time I feel my fastball plays better than my velocity," Happ said. "I think I've averaged a strikeout per inning, and I think that's pretty good for not being a power-type pitcher. It's just control and getting ahead. That's the whole thing. I didn't do that today."

He should get more chances.

"I'm a pretty realistic guy, maybe almost to a fault," Happ said. "Maybe I look negative on things, but at the same time my goal is to come in and make an impression, and if there is any shot, whether it's in the bullpen or wherever, I just want to be on the club. I'm hoping to stay here and learn as much as I can, as long as I can. I just want to, hopefully, put my name on the radar for these guys."

The Phillies have some young arms down in the lower levels, and I think Happ is capable of being a #3 or #4 pitcher in the rotation down the road.