The 2014 Philadelphia Phillies may have the best “top three” in baseball when it comes to starting pitching.
Left-handers Cliff Lee, and Cole Hamels, along with newly acquired right-hander AJ Burnett, will lead a rejuvenated Phillies staff this season.
Lee, 35, only gets better with age. He went 14-8, with a 2.87 ERA in 2013. He struck out 222 batters in 222.2 innings, while walking just 32 batters. Since rejoining the Phillies in 2011, Lee is 37-25, with a 2.80 ERA. He shows no signs of slowing down despite entering the latter half of his career. Rangers' manager Ron Washington, who will have to manage against Lee's Phillies on opening day, once offered this about the all-star lefty.
"He can move the ball around. He can change speeds. He can hit spots,” said Washington. “He can do whatever he has to do.”
There is no stopping Lee when he is at his peak, especially come playoff time. Lee has a lifetime 7-3 record in the playoffs, along with a 2.52 ERA in 11 starts.
Hamels, 30, is recovering from tendonitis in his left shoulder and will miss opening day. However the Phillies and Hamels himself believes he is on the right track for the 2014 season.
“I feel right where I usually am about Feb. 1 going into spring training. That’s about the time I’m usually ready for my first ‘pen,” said Hamels. “I’m building up for an entire season, for the marathon. In the past, I might have ramped it up. Having the experience I do, I’m trying not to overdo it.”
The Phillies need Hamels to be an experienced ace this season. Despite winning just eights games in 2013, Hamels had a 3.60 ERA in 220.0 innings. He struck out 202 batters, acting as another power arm in the Philadelphia rotation.
2014 will be a make or break season for Hamels. In eight Major League seasons, Hamels' career record stands at 99-74. His 3.38 ERA is ninth among active pitchers. He is in the prime of his career and is a key part of the Phillies' championship hopes for 2014.
The signing of Burnett will prove to be a great one. Burnett, who earlier in the off-season said he wouldn't play anywhere else but Pittsburgh, signed a one-year contract with the Phillies.
"I'll put it very simple. For the first time in my career, I made a decision that wasn't about A.J. Burnett," said Burnett. "It was about my wife. It was about my kids. It was about playing somewhere where I'm at home, and I can still do what I love. And that feels good. It was a no-brainer for me."
Burnett was the wise, old veteran on a young, energetic Pirates team last season. He made 30 starts, going 10-11 with a solid 3.30 ERA. In 191.0 innings, Burnett struck out 208 batters. His career high 9.8 K/9 ratio led the National League.
Other than leadership and pitching skills, Burnett brings a certain comedic aspect to the Phillies' rotation. He was known for his “pie” skills while pitching for the Yankees from 2009-2011. He wouldn't bake, but rather concoct “whipped cream” pies for heroic teammates after walk-off wins. Tradition dictated that Burnett throw the pie in the face of teammates during their on camera interviews.
"I don't exactly go full-sprint at somebody with a pie,” Burnett once said as a member of the Yankees. “Stuff happens, I guess. I always try to somewhat think safety first - unless I'm snapping - even when I'm pie-ing."
Whether pie is involved or not, the Phillies have the best “top 3” rotation pitchers in baseball. Lee, Hamels and Burnett all have postseason experience, the ability to strike out bundles of batters at a time, and the love of baseball. Would could be better?
How about some Apple Pie with whipped cream?
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