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 As far as off-season moves go, this one was arguably the worst.
This past winter, General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. and Phillies management made a truly horrendous decision, jettisoning a proven starting pitcher, a guy with years of Major League experience who'd proven he could be counted on come playoff time. A guy who had helped the franchise win division titles, playoff games, and a World Series.
And now, as the trade deadline approaches, RAJ needs to scrape together whatever he can from the empty cupboard that is the Phillies farm system and make a move to get this truly great pitcher on their roster once again.
What do you mean "the Rangers already got him?" I'm talking about Brett Myers.
Yes, that Brett Myers. The guy who called Philadelphia Inquirer beat writer Sam Carchidi "retarded." The guy who punched his wife in the middle of a Boston avenue. The guy who asked Cole Hamels if he quit. Yes, that Brett Myers.
The same Brett Myers who selflessly moved to the bullpen just three starts into the 2007 season... a season he began as the teams Opening Day Starter. The same Brett Myers who was willing to accept the humiliation of going down to the minors in 2008 in an attempt to fix mechanical issues. The same Brett Myers who returned that same season, posted a 7-2 record with a 1.80 ERA heading into September, and won two playoff games.
The same Brett Myers who, for the record, is pitching great this season. He has a 3.22 ERA, nearly equal to Houston Astros "Ace" Roy Oswalt and lower than every Phillies starter except Roy Halladay. He also has more wins than Oswalt, has given up less runs, and in his most recent start struck out eight Chicago Cubbies.
 Say what you want about Myers. Call him a red-neck, an idiot, or an unfulfilled waste of natural talent. Say he taught Mel Gibson a thing-or-two on how to treat a girlfriend. But as Oswalt talks to the media about how he'll only accept a trade if a team picks up his 2012 option and doesn't want to go anywhere with an "aggressive media," don't forget what a truly unselfish player looks like.
In a town that arguably loves players who want to win more than they love winning itself, Myers should have been Mayor. Instead, he was abandoned, slapped on the rear end and sent to the bottom of the NL Central. And now, just as they did in 2008, the Philadelphia Phillies are in need of a few good arms... and the best option is still Brett Myers.
So talk about Ben Sheets, with his surgically-repaired arm. Or talk about Dan Haren, and his above-four ERA.
And by all means, talk about that other Astros pitcher who claims he wants to go to a contender.... just as long as it's on his terms.
But at the end of the day, acknowledge and realize that the best option... in terms of quality, expense, team chemistry, and an unquestionable intent on putting WINNING above all else... is Brett Myers. - Eric Marmon
Eric Marmon is a freelance writer from Philadelphia. He graduated from Hofstra University, is a retired Whaler, and currently resides in Brooklyn, New York.
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