PHILADELPHIA (AP) -Brett Myers would rather throw the last pitch than first one. He has to go the distance to do both in the season opener.
The starter-turned-closer-turned-starter will make his second consecutive opening-day start when the Philadelphia Phillies host the Washington Nationals on Monday at Citizens Bank Park.
Myers was picked over All-Star Cole Hamels by manager Charlie Manuel last month for the assignment. In a way, it was a reward for his willingness to move to the bullpen for the first time in his career last year.
“I came in thinking I was the No. 2 guy,” Myers said. “The way Hamels pitched last year, I figured he was the No. 1 guy.”
Myers paused a bit, then offered his scenario in a perfect world.
“Hamels is going to do it for a long time, especially when I go back to the bullpen,” he said.
Maybe next year. For now, Myers and Hamels are the 1-2 punch the Phillies hope can match up to the New York Mets’ duo of Johan Santana and Pedro Martinez.
The Phillies overcame a poor start and a slew of injuries to surpass the Mets in the final weekend last season. They clinched their first division title in 14 years with a victory over the Nationals on the final day of the regular season.
It was Myers striking out Wily Mo Pena to end the game and set off a wild celebration. Then the Fightin’ Phils promptly got swept by Colorado in a first-round series.
Myers thrived in the bullpen, finishing with 21 saves in 24 chances. He made no secret that he loved the closer’s role. But the Phillies put him back in the rotation after acquiring Brad Lidge from Houston. Lidge will start the season on the disabled list, giving Tom Gordon a chance to finish games again.
“I like pitching. I like competition,” Myers said. “I feel like one inning for me is a lot easier to concentrate than six or seven innings.”
For the Phillies to successfully defend their NL East title, they’ll need Myers to be at his best for quite a few innings – about 220 would be ideal.
They’ll also need a better start than usual. The Phillies have had a winning April just four times in the last 15 seasons. They went 10-11 in 2004; 10-14 in 2005 and 2006; and 11-14 last April. They’ve been particularly bad the first week of the season, going 1-6 in ’04, ’06 and ’07.
If spring training is any indication, Philadelphia could struggle at the start again. The Phils were 12-18 with a 5.90 ERA and .243 batting average.
Manuel downplayed the poor performance.
“We’re ready. We’re in shape. Ready to go,” he said.
The schedule could help the Phillies get off to a fast start. After a three-game series with Washington, they’ll play four in Cincinnati. They were 12-6 against the Nationals last season and 4-2 against the Reds.
Left-hander Matt Chico (7-9, 4.63 ERA in 2007) gets the start against Myers on Monday. The Nationals opened their season against the Atlanta Braves on Sunday night in the first game at their new stadium.
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