On a pitching staff with a pair of perennial Cy Young candidates, and a former World Series MVP, who has been arguably the most effective starter on the staff more than one month into the regular season? The answer would be none other than fifth starter, Joe Blanton.
Blanton, who was limited to just eight starts in 2011, is off to a fantastic start in 2012. In six starts, the righthander has put together a 3-3 record (with one of those losses coming in a relief appearance in Pittsburgh in an extra-inning game earlier in the season) with a 3.24 ERA.
Blanton has allowed more than two runs in only two starts, and given up no more than four runs in any appearance. He’s lasted seven innings or more in three of six starts, and has a complete game shutout already.
Right now, Blanton is pitching like an ace. He’s maintained an excellent level of command with his pitches, and isn’t giving up many hits or walks. His superb play has helped make up for the temporary absence of Cliff Lee from the rotation.
Blanton turned in another excellent outing on Tuesday night, allowing two runs through 6.2 innings against the New York Mets. Though he began to tire and lost effectiveness in the seventh inning, it was still another great performance from the fifth starter, he stepped up and gave the team a great chance to win the ballgame after a frustrating loss the night before. Unfortunately, Chad Qaulls and an error-prone Phillies defense cost Blanton two more runs to be charged to his ERA, spoiling his solid effort.
It will be interesting to see what happens if Blanton is able to sustain this level of play. If he can continue to perform the way he has through the five weeks of the season, he’ll be a desirable commodity at the trade deadline. The Phillies may finally have a market for Blanton to move his salary off of the payroll, freeing up money to bring in additional support for their anemic offense.
Regardless of what happens in the coming months with Blanton, he’s pitching at a level beyond his norm, and the Phillies are benefiting from it.
Good! Keep boosting up that trade value.