Brett Myers News: Pro Sports Daily

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November 7

Camden Courier-Post

"In eight seasons with the Phillies, Brett Myers made three Opening Day starts and closed the game that clinched the 2007 division title. He was charged with -- and later cleared of -- assaulting his wife in 2006. He was sent to the minors in 2008, and in 2009 he made a speedy recovery from hip surgery that could've ended his season. At no time did Myers pause to be boring. And now, he's gone. General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. informed Myers on Friday that the Phillies will not re-sign him. Myers' agent, Craig Landis, said the 29-year-old right-hander was braced for the news and planned to file for free agency before returning to his Jacksonville, Fla., home. "They told him they don't have ..."

Myers hopes to stay with Phils

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November 6

Camden Courier-Post

"Brett Myers stood beside his locker late Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium and expressed confidence that the Phillies would return to the World Series next season. He couldn't be as certain about his own future. Having completed the final season of a three-year, $25.75 million contract, Myers is expected to become a free agent during the 15-day filing period that began Thursday. He has spent his entire eight-year career with the Phillies, but unless he's willing to accept a short-term, low-salary contract, he may have to move on. "We've got a great team here, so hopefully I can be part of this again next year," said Myers, a 29-year-old right-hander. "But that's a decision for (general ..."

Phils downplay 'spat' between Cole & Myers

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November 4

New York Post

"They don't call them the Fightin' Phils for nothing. Phillies pitchers Cole Hamels and Brett Myers had a verbal altercation after Game 5 of the World Series on Monday, according to an Internet report. Now the Phillies are dealing with the fallout while trying to prepare for tonight's Game 6. The Phillies deny there was any altercation, saying Myers was joking with Hamels. But according to a Yahoo Sports report, Myers walked past Hamels and said, "What are you doing here? I thought you quit." A witness told Yahoo that Hamels then responded with an expletive, and that a team official ushered Myers away."

Myers mocks Hamels after Game 5

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November 3

Yahoo! Sports

"Phillies pitchers Brett Myers and Cole Hamels had a short but tense confrontation in the team's clubhouse following Game 5 of the World Series, according to one witness, words that stemmed from Hamels' recent statement that he was eager for his season to end. As Myers walked past Hamels near Hamels' locker he said, mocking, "What are you doing here? I thought you quit." Hamels, the witness said, responded with an expletive. Before the situation escalated, Myers was guided away by a team official. In an otherwise happy Phillies clubhouse – they beat the Yankees, 8-6, on Monday night to force Game 6 – Myers poked at a sore topic for Hamels. The 25-year-old left-hander has had a difficult ..."

Myers back on Phils' roster

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October 28

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Brett Myers moved his left heel a few inches and ended up on the World Series roster.The veteran righthander, who pitched one ineffective inning in the division series and was excluded from the National League Championship Series roster, was added to the Phillies again yesterday. He replaced utilityman Miguel Cairo.Pitching coach Rich Dubee said that the team needed an extra pitcher because of the shortage of off days during the World Series, and that Myers looked much improved while throwing two simulated games and two bullpen sessions during the NLCS."His fastball is a lot sharper," Dubee said. "His breaking ball is better than it was before. His fastball command has improved."Myers said ..."

Myers added to Phillies' Series roster

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October 27

Philadelphia Inquirer

"After being left off the roster for the National League Championship Series, reliever Brett Myers is back on the roster for the World Series, the Phillies announced. Miguel Cairo has been left off the roster after being added for the NLCS. Myers, who missed a significant portion of the season following hip surgery, made one appearance in the division series against Colorado, walking two and hitting a batter in two-thirds of an inning."

Myers a possibility for World Series roster

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October 25

MLB.com

"The Phillies have not decided on the composition of their World Series roster, but according to an ESPN.com report, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. has said Brett Myers is a consideration. The Phillies will not make their roster decision until the American League Championship Series is over and they know whether their opponent will be the Yankees or Angels. Myers had a spot on the Phillies' roster for their Division Series before being left off the NLCS roster, which was attributed to Myers not being totally recovered from a strained lateral muscle on his throwing shoulder. However, Tuesday he threw a simulated game and appeared to be recovered."

Myers may not be finished yet

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October 24

Camden Courier-Post

"The conversation was brief and largely one-sided. Brett Myers was ticked last week over not making the Phillies' National League Championship Series roster, so general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said the only thing he could. "I told him, "You still might make the biggest pitch of our season,' " Amaro recalled. Turns out, that may not have been empty consolation. The Phillies won't make final decisions about the composition of their 25-man World Series roster until after they know the identity of their opponent. But Amaro said Friday that adding Myers is "certainly something we'll have to consider," especially if they opt for 12 pitchers."

PhilliesMyers from NLCS roster

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October 16

Florida Today

"The news was such a bitter disappointment for Brett Myers that he was at a loss for words. "He just kind of looked at me, went like that, then he got up and left," Charlie Manuel said, shrugging his shoulders in a demonstration of Myers' reaction upon being informed Wednesday night that he was excluded from the Phillies' roster for the National League Championship Series. Myers, still not in a particularly talkative mood before Thursday's Game 1 at Dodger Stadium, worked hard throughout the summer to recover in only nine weeks from right hip surgery that threatened to end his season and was hoping to contribute to the Phillies' postseason run by pitching in the bullpen. But he hasn't been ..."

Myers optimistic about return

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September 23

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Brett Myers boarded an airplane to South Florida last night, ready to rejoin the Phillies today and hoping to pitch by early next week. But a timetable set by the team was more conservative.An MRI in Philadelphia yesterday showed that Myers had suffered a Grade 1 strain of his right latissimus dorsi (back) muscle, a team spokesman said last night. The righthander is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Tuesday, and the Phillies hope - but did not guarantee - that he will return by the end of the regular season.Reached by telephone yesterday afternoon, Myers told The Inquirer that he was optimistic about appearing in a game early next week."I think I could be ready by the homestand," ..."

Myers rejoins Phils tonight

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September 4

Camden Courier-Post

"If the Phillies were 20 games out of first place, free-agent-to-be Brett Myers still would want to pitch this month to show any potential suitors that he is healthy after right hip surgery. But Myers insists that isn't what this is about. The Phillies are in first place, destined to reach the postseason, and Myers will be activated from the disabled list before tonight's series opener in Houston because he is ready to help strengthen their bullpen for the stretch drive and the playoffs. Everything else, including his impending free agency, is superfluous. "I don't care about next year," said Myers, who was seated in the dugout before Thursday night's game. "I can't control next year. The ..."

Phillies to activate Brett Myers from disabled list

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September 4

Philadelphia Daily News

"The heavy lifting is out of the way. Brett Myers has put in the work, passed the necessary tests, and proved to the Phillies that he is ready to pitch at the big-league level.Now that the club has announced plans to activate the veteran righthander from the disabled list today, the question involves how to use him.While Brad Lidge has struggled this season, converting just 27 of 36 save attempts while posting a league-worst 7.03 ERA, both the Phillies and Myers have attempted to diffuse any potential closer controversy. Manager Charlie Manuel has repeatedly said that Lidge would be his choice in the ninth inning of close games, and Myers has said throughout his six rehab appearances that ..."

Myers throws strong inning for IronPigs

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September 3

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Brett Myers completed a six-game minor-league rehabilitation assignment with a dominant inning of relief last night for the triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs.Myers got two groundouts and a strikeout while throwing just eight pitches in the eighth inning of Lehigh Valley's 2-1 International League loss to the Syracuse Chiefs at Coca-Cola Park."I felt great," the righthander said afterward. "I feel ready to go. The command of my fastball is good. I'm most pleased that I'm getting people out."Myers, who had hip surgery on June 4, could be activated by the Phillies by the time they open a series in Houston tomorrow night. He is scheduled to fly with the club to Houston tonight.During his rehab ..."

Myers throws scoreless inning in rehab outing with Lakewood

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August 25

Philadelphia Daily News

"Brett Myers said last night his hip problem was at the root of his shaky start to the 2009 season.Myers said it affected him "a lot" en route to a 4-3 record with a 4.66 ERA before he went on the disabled list in May. He also had given up 17 home runs in 63 2/3 innings before his trip to the DL.Yesterday, in his second rehab start since June 4 hip surgery to repair a torn labrum, Myers worked a scoreless first inning for the Lakewood BlueClaws of the Class A South Atlantic League against the Lake County Captains, a Cleveland Indians affiliate."Today my velocity was 93-94 miles an hour," Myers said. "When I was starting [for the Phillies] I was 88 to maybe hitting 91. [The hip injury] ..."

Brett Myers and BlueClaws rained out

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August 24

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Heavy rain and a puddle-filled FirstEnergy Park kept Brett Myers and the single-A Lakewood BlueClaws from facing the Lake County Captains yesterday.Myers' bid to return to the Phillies is expected to resume today, when Lakewood takes on Lake County in a doubleheader beginning at 5:05 p.m. He has been on the disabled list since May 30 after suffering a torn labrum in his right hip and undergoing surgery.Myers is set to appear in his second rehabilitation game. On Thursday, the righthander pitched one inning of relief in single-A Clearwater's 1-0 win over visiting Dunedin. He allowed two hits and struck out three.After yesterday's game was postponed, Myers left the BlueClaws' clubhouse ..."

Myers changes story regarding eye injury

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August 16

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Okay, we were just informed by Ruben Amaro via Phillies spokesman Kevin Gregg that Brett Myers has changed his story about how he hurt his eye. Myers initially informed the team that a ball hit him in the face during a game of catch with his four-year-old son. Here's what Gregg said a few minutes ago: "What actually happened was, he slipped getting out of his car last night, hit his face and suffered significant swelling around his eye—I don't know which eye yet, I'm trying to find out. He's icing it today, he's going to see our medical staff tomorrow in Clearwater...We were misinformed by Brett." I asked, so Brett told the Phillies two different stories? "He told one story, and then ..."

Phillies downplay talk of Myers returning in August

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July 22

Philadelphia Daily News

"Everybody might want to hold off on buying the chips and dip for the big Welcome Back Brett Myers party for a little while longer.Myers, who opened the season as the Phillies' No. 2 starter then underwent hip surgery that was widely expected to end his season, was back at Citizens Bank Park last night. He repeated that he's well ahead of schedule on his rehab and hopes to be able to be activated in August.All involved agree that would be a nice stretch-run boost. But assistant general manager Scott Proefrock warned against getting all giddy over the prospect just yet.He said the team is proceeding on the assumption that Myers won't be back this year, and added: "Obviously, we're very ..."

Myers ahead of Phillies' schedule with hip

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June 13

MLB.com

"Brett Myers has a bruise that matches nearly every color of the rainbow on his right hip. It looks nasty, with three bandages covering his stitches. But he said it feels better than it looks. Myers, who had surgery on his right hip June 4, was walking without crutches at Citizens Bank Park on Friday when doctors had told him he would not be walking until 10 to 14 days after surgery. In other words, Myers is ahead of schedule. Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. ruled out Myers rejoining the team before the end of the season. The original timetable for Myers to begin a long toss program was early September, which means it would take a miracle to get him pitching effectively enough ..."

Myers has high hopes for 2009

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June 13

Camden Courier-Post

"Brett Myers has shed the crutches he was told to use for 10 to 14 days after his hip surgery last Thursday. He would like to take that as a sign he's ahead of schedule on his rehab and that he can make it back this season. The Phillies' starter also said that if he does return, it will probably be as a reliever. "I'm hoping I can come back, whether it's a limited role in the bullpen or as a starter," Myers said. "I'm just trying to work toward that right now and get back as soon as possible." Myers served as the Phillies' closer for most of the 2007 season. He wouldn't need as much time to get back into pitching shape if he's a reliever. Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro said recently ..."

MYERS: 'LONG SHOT' THAT HE'LL PITCH AGAIN IN '09

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May 30

Camden Courier-Post

"Having made his way back from New York, Brett Myers was sitting in the Phillies' clubhouse after tonight's 5-4 win over the Nationals. And he spoke candidly - and volumniously - about his gut-wrenching decision, but ultimately sensible, decision to have hip surgery. "I didn't expect it to be as bad as it was. [Dr. Bryan Kelly] pretty much flat-out today told me that he can give me a cortisone shot, but that's just going to make it worse. Any time 'hip replacement' comes out of a doctor's mouth, that's not good. He made it clear that further damage could lead to that. "I've never had surgery before, so I don't know what kind of pain I'm going to be in. He told me it's similar to Chase ..."

Myers having surgery, will miss 3 months

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May 30

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Brett Myers considered pitching through pain this season, but the message from doctors was clear: If he did not have hip surgery soon, Myers would risk further injury. So the 28-year-old righthander, who has spent his entire career with the Phillies, decided late today to have surgery to repair a torn labrum and bone spurs in his hip. While an autumn return is not impossible, Myers admitted it was a "longshot." He will be a free agent after this season, so his future in Philadelphia is uncertain. Myers traveled to New York today to see Bryan T. Kelly, a hip specialist at the Hospital for Special Surgery, seeking a second opinion after team doctors told him yesterday that he likely would ..."

Myers confirms he will have surgery

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May 29

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Brett Myers told the Inquirer that he will have surgery to repair a torn labrum in his hip, and a return this season is a longshot. "This is the best option for me," he said. "The doctor told me my hip would be unbelievably better when I come back." "I have the same thing as Chase (Utley), a torn labrum (Myers also has bone spurs)," he said. "This is the best option for me.""

Hip surgery likely for Phillies starter Myers

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May 29

Philadelphia Daily News

"ONE OF THE KEY aspects of the Phillies' title run last season was their impeccable health. If they are to make a title defense, however, they will have at least one hurdle to clear.Barring an unexpected prognosis from hip specialist Bryan Kelly, Phillies righthander Brett Myers is headed toward hip surgery and a 3-to-4 month recovery. Should Myers undergo surgery to repair a torn labrum, he is optimistic that he could return to the field in time to participate in the playoffs, should the Phillies advance that far.Myers' injury is similar to the one that second baseman Chase Utley experienced, according to Myers' agent, Craig Landis. In fact, the Phillies are currently in the process of ..."

Myers passes survival test

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April 12

Denver Post

"Brett Myers schooled Jorge De La Rosa on Saturday night at Coors Field. The Phillies' veteran right-hander was far from perfect, giving up home runs to the Rockies' Troy Tulowitzki, Garrett Atkins and Clint Barmes. But he tutored De La Rosa on how to endure and ultimately thrive. The result was an 8-4 Philadelphia victory that ended the Rockies' three-game winning streak. "I have a lot of work to do, and I have to throw more strikes," said De La Rosa, who needed 99 pitches to get through 4 2/3 innings. "I got behind in some counts, and I paid for it." Though Myers got tagged, he never got rattled, improving to 7-0 against the Rockies and 5-0 at Coors Field. Myers' composure ultimately was ..."

Myers is the X-factor

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April 3

Camden Courier-Post

"Last October, on the eve of the Phillies' first World Series game in 15 years, then-assistant general manager Mike Arbuckle wondered how things would have been different if Brett Myers hadn't turned his season around. "Then," Arbuckle said, "we've got problems." Among the many players who had a hand in helping the Phillies return to the playoffs -- Ryan Howard with his power-packed September, Jamie Moyer with his team-leading 16 wins, Brad Lidge with his sheer perfection, and on and on -- Myers' contribution may have been the most meaningful. But as the Phillies attempt to defend their World Series crown -- and Myers enters the final leg of his three-year, $25.75 million contract -- there ..."

Myers to start opener

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April 1

Camden Courier-Post

"In his final spring training tuneup here Tuesday night, Brett Myers allowed one run in four innings and flashed his poker face when asked if he would be the Phillies' Opening Day starter. "He didn't tell you?" manager Charlie Manuel said. "I didn't think he could keep a secret." It's a secret no longer. Myers, the Phillies' opening day starter for the past two seasons, will start the nationally televised opener Sunday night at Citizens Bank Park. He'll be followed in the rotation by Jamie Moyer (April 7), Joe Blanton (April 8) and Cole Hamels (April 10). Myers will start April 11 before Chan Ho Park starts April 12. Last season, Myers went 10-13 with a 4.55 ERA. But he was 3-9 with a 5.84 ..."

Myers gets to pitch in opener

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April 1

Philadelphia Inquirer

"During an active afternoon yesterday, the Phillies released Geoff Jenkins, named Chan Ho Park their fifth starter, told J.A. Happ that his immediate future was uncertain and spoke with free-agent slugger Gary Sheffield.But they weren't finished until a few minutes before 10 o'clock last night. After the team defeated Toronto, 9-1, at Bright House Field, manager Charlie Manuel announced that Brett Myers would start on opening night Sunday against Atlanta at Citizens Bank Park."The fact that we gave him the ball the last two years, the way he pitched here, it was a logical choice," Manuel said.In his final start of spring training last night, Myers pitched four innings against the Toronto ..."

Phils' Myers enjoys best outing of spring

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March 18

Philadelphia Inquirer

"The possibility that Cole Hamels might not be ready to start on opening night could create a spotlight opportunity for Brett Myers, Jamie Moyer or Joe Blanton.The Phils are scheduled to host the major-league opener April 5 against Atlanta. The Sunday night game will be televised by ESPN2.Myers has started the last two openers for the Phils, coming away without a decision in two losses.Yesterday, as Hamels was returning from a doctor's exam in Philadelphia, Myers had his best start of the spring, pitching 52/3 scoreless innings in an 8-1 win over Cincinnati. The righthander, who threw curveballs for the first time this spring, walked none and struck out seven while throwing 78 pitches."I ..."

Myers slims down, changes it up

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March 2

Camden Courier-Post

"Everything about Brett Myers looks different than it did four months ago. He has traded a tight buzz cut for a full head of hair (well, almost) and replaced his goatee with a clean chin. He also has shed 36 pounds and is developing a new out pitch, a changeup. His wisecracking sense of humor, however, remains intact. After allowing three hits and two runs in three innings in the Phillies' 7-3 Grapefruit League win over the Atlanta Braves on Sunday at the Wide World of Sports complex, Myers was asked how he intends to keep his weight at its current 222 pounds. "Making smarter choices when I drink beer, maybe?" Myers said between sips of a Bud Light. "Instead of pizza, eat salad. I eat ..."

Phils' slimmed-down Myers sharp in start

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March 2

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Brett Myers, the biggest loser on a slimmed-down Phillies team, offered some secrets to his off-season weight loss. "Making smarter choices while you drink beer," the righthander said after his first start of the spring yesterday. "Instead of pizza, eat salad. Play for the tie, you know." Interviewing Myers is like reaching into a grab bag. The pitcher has several sides to his personality, and reporters never know what's going to come out. There's the straightforward, serious side. There's the prickly, open-electrical-socket side. There's the playful, cut-up side. Yesterday, all three sides were evident as Myers sipped a Bud Light after pitching three innings and allowing two runs in a 7-3 ..."

Phillies' Brett Myers has fill of Mets, N.L. East forecasts

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February 17

New York Daily News

"Phillies pitcher Brett Myers is bored with the annual "team to beat" predictions, which were rekindled when Francisco Rodriguez uttered the phrase upon arriving in Mets camp last week. "I don't care what they're saying. It doesn't matter," Myers said in a Philadelphia TV interview. "It doesn't matter anymore because it's just like something they're trying to prove to themselves that they are the team to beat. They can think that. We thought it. Jimmy (Rollins) said it. It's over. That's been a two-year thing. What are we still talking about it for?"

A fitter Brett Myers is looking to get the Phils off to a faster start.

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February 14

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Did the Phillies sign Jenny Craig to a free-agent contract this winter, or what?Ryan Howard dropped 20 pounds. Brett Myers has him beat. He lost 30."Just working out a lot," Myers said yesterday as he checked into training camp.The 28-year-old pitcher said he weighs about 222 pounds.Myers will be eligible for free agency at season's end, but that, he said, was not his motivation for getting in better shape."Winning the World Series was great, but personally I had a bad taste in my mouth this winter because of how badly I pitched in the first half of the season," the righthander said. "I needed to get in better shape so we don't have to fight to get into the playoffs the last three weeks."I ..."

Decent effort by Myers fails to get support

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October 24

Camden Courier-Post

"Maybe Brett Myers should have batted. We've all joked about Myers' hitting in the postseason. He's one of just two Phillies hitting over .300 with runners in scoring position in the postseason; Shane Victorino is the other. But, wow -- the Phillies dropped Game 2 on Thursday because they just didn't hit behind Myers. They got a decent start out of Myers, who threw seven innings, allowing three earned runs and one unearned run. Myers threw just 85 pitches as the Rays were first-pitch hacking all night. But the Phillies are now 1-for-28 with runners in scoring position in this World Series, and that one hit was the greatest play in baseball -- the base hit with a runner in scoring position ..."

Myers hit a small bump on his road to redemption

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October 24

Philadelphia Inquirer

columnist Bob Ford

"It is a long way from Lehigh Valley to redemption, but Brett Myers was standing so close to his destination last night he could see its warm lights over the next hill. One more win in his comeback from a demotion to the minors, from his crisis of confidence about even being a starting pitcher, just one more win on the other side of this small hill in Tropicana Field, and Myers would fully arrive. Baseball doesn't hand out rewards easily, though, and Myers was the loser rather than the winner as the Rays beat the Phillies, 4-2, to tie the World Series at a game apiece. Redemption will have to wait a while longer. "I felt I battled," Myers said. "I thought things could have gone my way a ..."

Myers inconsistent in first World Series start

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October 24

Philadelphia Daily News

"Brett Myers is somewhat like Forrest Gump's famous box of chocolates. You never really know if he will throw a three-hitter or if he will make it through the fifth inning. Last night, the Myers the Phillies got was somewhere in the middle. He wasn't sharp, but he wasn't shelled, either. He was victimized by small ball early on, but victimized nonetheless as the Phillies lost to the Rays, 4-2. It was Myers' first start in 14 days. "I felt like I had good stuff. I just had to pitch to their aggressiveness," Myers said. "Instead of trying to strike guys out, I had to try to get groundouts." In the sometimes watered-down vernacular of baseball statistics, Myers will be credited with a quality ..."

Myers Excelled Down Stretch

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October 23

Tampa Tribune

"Starting tonight's Game 2 of the World Series seems somewhat surreal to Philadelphia right-hander Brett Myers. Three months ago, the 6-foot-4, 238-pound power pitcher toed the mound for Triple-A Lehigh Valley following a demotion to the minors by the Phillies despite spending the previous five seasons at the major-league level, four of them as a member of the starting rotation. Yet by July, Myers - the No. 12 pick in the 1999 draft by Philadelphia - had struggled to a 3-9 record with a 5.84 ERA while allowing a National League-high 24 home runs at the time. "I knew that I needed to go down and take responsibility for how I was pitching; I needed to get it right," Myers said. "In order for ..."

Move to minors was good for Myers

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October 22

Philadelphia Inquirer

"The same day the Milwaukee Brewers landed CC Sabathia in a monster trade with the Cleveland Indians, Brett Myers put on a triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs jersey and pitched.It wasn't a good day for the Phillies.They not only had lost the ace they pursued - the Phillies couldn't match the offer the Brewers put together - but their opening day starter was pitching in the minor leagues in a rare, but not unprecedented, midseason attempt to save his season. And, boy, did they need him to save his season.When they optioned him, Myers was 3-9 with a 5.84 ERA in his first 17 starts of the season. He was a black hole on a pitching staff that had counted on him and Cole Hamels to be the foundation ..."

Well-rested Myers faces tough test

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October 2

PhillyBurbs.com

"Phillies pitcher Brett Myers has had a lot of time to think about making another turn for the better in his roller coaster season. With seven days' rest, Myers can pitch the Phillies into a commanding lead in their National League Division Series tonight when he makes his first career postseason start. "It's a new season now," Myers said Wednesday before the Phillies rode a great outing from ace Cole Hamels to a 3-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 1. "It's time to start over." The 2008 season has been a wild journey for Myers, who started and finished poorly. In between, there also was a three-week demotion to the minors and the hottest stretch of his career. "All that stuff ..."

Myers picks bad time for bad start

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September 25

PhillyBurbs.com

columnist Mike Sielski

"When Brett Myers walked off the pitcher's mound in the top of the fifth inning yesterday, he carried his glove in his right hand and swung it at his side, as if the glove were a briefcase and he were a businessman who had just finished a bad day at the office. Bad day, all right. Bad time for it. Myers didn't last five innings because the Atlanta Braves batted him around Citizens Bank Park. Ten hits and six runs in only 41/3 innings for Myers, a 10-4 loss, another wasted opportunity to get themselves closer to a postseason berth - no, the Phillies couldn't afford this out of Myers. They couldn't afford another start in which he didn't give them a chance to win. Last week in Florida, the ..."

Myers, Manuel battle in Phils win

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August 10

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Brett Myers might have won back Phillies fans with a solid performance in his first home start since June 21, but he didn't exactly please his manager with his exit.Myers pitched the third consecutive strong outing by a Phillies starter, working into the eighth inning, and picked up the decision last night in his team's 4-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. But Myers had words with Charlie Manuel after the manager went out to lift him from the game.After giving up a ground-rule double to Chris Gomez, Myers retired Freddy Sanchez on a hard line drive to shortstop Jimmy Rollins for the second out in the eighth, but Manuel came out of the dugout to bring in left-hander J.C. Romero.Myers ..."

Myers passes much tougher test

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August 4

Philadelphia Daily News

"It's one of those stories baseball people tell in the cool of the evening, and it may even be true. The way it goes is that once upon a time there was a pitcher - Billy Loes, who broke in with the Brooklyn Dodgers and later played for the Orioles and Giants, often stars in this tale - who never quite seemed to live up to his potential. He insisted he wasn't upset that he never won 20 games, though. "If I do it once, they'll just expect me to do it again," he reasoned. The Phillies wanted Brett Myers to do it again last night. Wanted to see the command again, wanted to see the confidence again, wanted to see all the things again that they saw last Tuesday night at Nationals Park when he ..."

Myers making his case

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July 30

Wilmington News Journal

"When the tying run reached first base in the eighth inning, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel lumbered to the mound to take the ball from Brett Myers. "Check my numbers against this guy," Myers said loudly, seemingly annoyed because he was nursing a four-hit shutout and had thrown just 88 pitches. Speechless, Manuel recoiled. Myers busted out laughing. It had been a while since he had so much fun on a major league mound, even longer since he won a major league game. Myers did both on a sweaty Tuesday night in the nation's capital, flummoxing the feeble-hitting Nationals in the Phillies' 2-1 win, Myers' first victory since May 30 and first on the road all season. "I didn't even know what my ..."

Hurler needs positive outing

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July 24

Philadelphia Inquirer

columnist Jim Salisbury

"NEW YORK - He had spent most of the month in Allentown, Reading, and Viera, Fla., nice towns all, but not places you want to be throwing baseballs after you've been in the big leagues for more than five seasons.

Brett Myers earned his way to the minor leagues by pitching poorly. He deserved to be there, but with that amount of service time could have vetoed the assignment. In his heart, Myers knew he had to follow the Phillies' wishes and go to the minors. It was for his good, and his team's. He was not going back to the closer's role, not with the way Brad Lidge was dominating hitters, and besides, how could the Phillies have put him anywhere near the back end of the bullpen given the ..."

No command performance from Myers in Phillies' loss to Mets

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July 24

Philadelphia Daily News

"NEW YORK - The Phillies wanted Brett Myers to keep them in the game.

They wanted their prodigal righthander to rely on his fastball more in his return to the big leagues last night after his scenic, four-start tour of the team's minor league system during which he was variously an IronPig, an R-Phil and a Thresher. They wanted more than that, honestly, but that's pretty much what they had to settle for on a steamy, sticky evening at Shea Stadium. Making his first big-league appearance since June 27, Myers lasted five innings against the Mets. He left with the score tied, 3-3, after giving up three hits, five walks and a hit batter. The Phillies ended up losing, 6-3, to fall back into a ..."

Phillies' Myers Sputters at Start, and Questions Remain

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July 24

New York Times

"Brett Myers of the Phillies was unleashing fastballs with such fury that he seemed to be trying to throw the ball through a steel door, not just to catcher Carlos Ruiz. Myers would complete his windup and land a few feet in front of the rubber, all 238 pounds colliding with the dirt. What did Myers' powerful approach earn him? In the beginning, not much. After he fired 18 pitches Wednesday night, the Mets were ahead, 1-0, they had the bases loaded and they were trying to turn Myers' first major league start in almost a month into a very short night."

Myers looking forward to return against Mets

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July 20

Camden Courier-Post

"Brett Myers has spent the past three weeks in the minor leagues, attempting to salvage his blazing fastball and his cocky swagger. And while the effectiveness of that humbling recovery mission remains to be seen, one thing is clear. Myers has regained his bluster. Upon returning to the Phillies clubhouse Saturday, the high-strung Myers blew mock kisses to reliever Ryan Madson, laughed and joked with teammates, and playfully said there isn't a team he'd rather face in his return to the mound than the rival Mets. "I can't think of a better team for me to come back against," said Myers, expected to start Wednesday night at Shea Stadium. "I don't like them. They're our rival. We're ..."

Utley throws his support behind Myers in 2nd half

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July 16

Camden Courier-Post

"For players like Chase Utley, the game is about the pursuit of perfection. Even as Utley has slowed down to take in more of the pomp and circumstance of the All-Star celebration at Yankee Stadium, the Phillies' second baseman has kept a certain amount of focus on the bigger picture, and that's more than just a playoff berth at the end of this season. To that end, Utley found himself thinking past Tuesday night's game and to this weekend when the Phillies take on the Marlins in Florida. The three-time All-Star understands there is plenty of room for improvement despite his team's status as the leader in the National League East."

Myers set for July 23 return

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July 16

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Here's anon Brett's comeback: No, not Favre. Myers. According to a baseball source, Brett Myers' next minor-league start will be Friday night in Florida for single-A Clearwater at Brevard County. The plan is to have Myers join the Phillies the next day in nearby Miami and return to the starting rotation July 23 against the New York Mets at Shea Stadium. The Phillies optioned Myers to triple-A Lehigh Valley last month after he went 3-9 with a 5.84 ERA in 17 starts. He has made two starts for the IronPigs and one start for double-A Reading as the Phillies try to turn around Myers' season and upgrade a rotation that needs a boost."

Cleveland's Cliff Lee can relate to Myers' plight

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July 15

Philadelphia Daily News

"Phillies fans are wondering whether a trip to the minors can help righthander Brett Myers turn his season around. The American League's starting pitcher in tonight's All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium knows a little something about the subject. Cleveland Indians lefthander Cliff Lee is 12-2 with a 2.31 earned run average."

Brett Myers thinks he's ready to return

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July 13

Philadelphia Inquirer

"One pitch into this, the third minor-league venture for Brett Myers, the pitcher was shaking his head. Akron's Josh Rodriguez circled the bases after blasting a 90-m.p.h. Myers fastball over the left-field wall last night at FirstEnergy Stadium, the first homer he's allowed since his demotion July 1. Maybe, though, his mental vacation is starting to pay off. "I wasn't really worried about it in the first place," Myers said. "I was just trying to locate my fastball. I didn't really care if they got five runs, I was just trying to establish the fastball and locate it.""