Q&A: Mazone a worthy alternative to Mathieson

Scranton Times-Tribune beat writer Chad Jennings checks in to answer questions about pitchers Brian Mazone, Justin Germano and the possibility of adding a third baseman to replace Abraham Nunez.

Beerleaguer: Readers are clamoring for another starter to replace 22-year-old pitcher Scott Mathieson, who doesn’t look ready for prime time. Obviously, Brian Mazone's line jumps off the page. Is the 30-year-old left-hander a realistic alternative? He’s 11-2 with a 2.05 ERA. And what do you make of Justin Germano since his acquisition?

Chad Jennings: How can anyone deny Mazone at this point? Yes, he's a remarkably unlikely story, but so is Chris Coste and he seems to be working out pretty well. Mazone doesn't have the big fastball like Mathieson, but he changes speeds, commands all four pitches (fastball, change, curve and cutter) and he keeps balls in the park. He has been remarkably consistent and right now he's in line to lead the league in ERA. I think he's worth a look.

As for Justin Germano, he's pitching tonight and that will be just my second time seeing him. (Note: Last night, Germano pitched seven scoreless innings to earn his first win). So far my impression is that he's a solid young pitcher. He could be the answer, but Mazone has been much better this season. Also, Eude Brito is starting to pitch much better, to the point that he's been dominant at times. That said, no one has been better, longer this season than Mazone.

Beerleaguer: Do the Red Barons have an answer at third base? Bobby Scales and Brennan King have good numbers, but do they have the gloves to hold their own in the majors?

Chad Jennings: At third base, King is a better defensive player and has more pop, but Scales is probably a more consistent hitter and he can play second base and the outfield corners, so that's a plus. I think King would have been an interesting option in Philly after the Bell trade, but he's on the DL right now with a sprained ankle and might not be back for at least a week. Regardless of what happens this year, King might have been an off-season steal for the Phillies. This is his first Triple-A season and he's steadily gotten better. Even if he doesn't get a chance this season, he could play a role in the future.

If you're looking for a quick fix, Scales is probably the best bet. I don't think he would do anything overwhelming up there, but I think he would be solid at third base. I keep wondering whether Joe Thurston could play third. I know he has a little bit of time at shortstop, and the Red Barons started him a few times in left field, but if he could play third he might be the wild card option. The guy has a slick glove, good speed and he can hit for average. Plus he has some big league time with the Dodgers. I'm not at all saying the Phillies are going to make that move, but it seems like an interesting option to me.

Chad Jennings covers the Red Barons for the Scranton Times-Tribune. He welcomes e-mail at cjennings@timesshamrock.com.

Comments

[clout]

Did everyone see Salisbury's piece on the Charlie Manuel-Dallas Green confrontation?

[Mike H.]

Yes we did. And?

[clout]

Mike H. Guess you have no opinion.

[Lake Fred]

I read it. Two crusty old men giving each other what they think about each other.

[Drama Queen]

As co-head of the Bobby Scales fan club...it is time for a promotion!!!

[J. Weitzel]

At this point, I put the chance of a new third baseman at slim to none. As long as the offense keeps producing, they'll leave the situation alone. However, I have to believe there's a good chance they will do something if Mathieson has another bad outing.

[joe]

Jason,

Yeh, I'm a little surprised the mathieson is scheduled to start tomorrow. The phils cant afford to hand away games with their starting pitching.

The alternatives are not very good, Madson is probably your best option, as opposed to another no-big leagues experience minor lazguer coming up and learning the ropes...

Or, the phils could go to a 4 man rotation.... ugh!

let's hope that mr. mathieson has a good outing on thursday, and makes this debate moot.

[MDZ]

Brian Mazone? Please. He even LOOKS like Joe Roa.

[Patrick]

Why are we jumping ship on Mathieson already? Sure he's had his share of struggles, but he's shown that he can be solid if not dominant. Give him a couple more starts and see if he can work out the kinks. I do not want to see Madson in the rotation again, he hangs an incredible amount of pitches and just looks generally bad. If anything, bring back Floyd in a couple weeks and give him another opportunity. Remember that all these guys are very young and still have much room to improve (even Hamels, as good as he's been lately).

[Lake Fred]

The more Nunez continues to start, the more creedence I give to he sold his soul to El Diablo idea.

[Will]

Another bad outing from Mathieson and he should be put in the bullpen to replace Sanches. He needs to begin to be groomed for the bullpen. Still give him the chance to compete for a starting job next year though.

[joe]

Mathieson got called up too early, and could use another year or so int he minors to mature, and work on a 3rd pitch.

By no means should he be turned into a reliever at this point. He's too young, and his stuff is too nice.

Madson, has been inconsistent as a starter, but has shown that he can get it done.

4 man rotation, anyone?

[Drama Queen]

I don't see why Mazone shouldn't be given a chance. I like Mathieson, and believe he will help the Phils in some capacity in the future, but he's struggling right now and doesn't look to be turning it around. Bringing Floyd back now in a Wild Card hunt is a bad idea in my opinion, he'll wither away and never be heard from again. Mazone is 30 and obviously isn't a prospect any more. If he comes in and gets shelled, it's at no big cost to his progression, because he's already past that part. If he can throw up a low 2 ERA in Scranton, he deserves the shot here too!