The Kyle Kendrick Conundrum: Phillies Say They Have “Not Many Options” to Replace Him

Have the Phillies reached the end of the line of Kyle Kendrick as a starting pitcher?  It sounds as if Phillies manager Charlie Manuel is growing tired of the unpredictable Kendrick.  Kendrick has provided some value for the Phillies, but yet there seems to always be the chance for a massive blow-up such as tonight's 6-run, 3 1/3 inning performance.  Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer spelled our his impression of Manuel after the game:

Of course, many point to one obvious option we've talked about before on this blog: Tyler Cloyd.  Iron Pigs beat reporter Jeff Schuler had an astute reply for Gelb:

Of course, he's speaking of Tyler Cloyd, 11-1 with a 2.12 ERA for AAA Lehigh Valley.  Yeah, that's a pretty obvious option.  Ironically, Cloyd also started tonight, which would put him right on schedule should the Phillies wish to swap Kendrick for Cloyd next time this spot comes up in the rotation.  

Kendrick's postgame comments once again caust the ire of fans.  He said to the Inquirer's Matt Gelb:

"I guess that's how it is with me. It's, 'What have you done for me lately?'

Sigh.  Kendrick just does not get it.  For every three solid performances from Kendrick there is one absolute disaster.  If Kendrick does not have the confidence of his fans and his manager, then why continue to demoralize the fans and the team every time he starts?

Ironically, Kendrick was impressive during his most recent bullpen stint, helping stabilize a shaky contingent of relievers.   And that's where his value lies.  Kendrick should be a bullpen pitcher, and if you need a starter with two hours' notice because you traded away Joe Blanton?  Perfect guy to throw in there. Of course, Sam Donnellon quotes Kendrick as saying,

“I don’t want them to think I want to be in the bullpen."

Well,  I don't think Charlie Manuel wants Ruben Amaro Jr. to think that he wants Kyle Kendrick in the rotation anymore.   I have defended Kyle Kendrick before, but I am at the point where I can no more.  The fans and Charlie Manuel deserve a change.

Please, Ruben, swap B.J. Rosenberg for Tyler Cloyd before Tuesday's start in Miami.