Obviously you are correct in retrospect regarding Park; not so sure about Hamels, after all, that would have stretched a thin rotation even further (and the two points are in tension – if they left Hamels in XST they almost would have had to start Park, Park AND Happ).

But really how much damage was done. even in retrospect? Amazingly, the Phillies managed to win 5 of 7 Park starts (yes, that surprised even me when I looked it up). Hamels lost a couple more games than he would have lost were he healthy, but how many of those games would the Phillies have won without him?

Whereas Myers is goign to miss most of the season, with no clear replacement in sight.

The Phils have scored seven or eight runs in all of Myers four wins. He was the ultimate OK. Give it a month I may agree with you

Well, actually, yes, most of us. It was clear at the time that:

(1) Despite all of the Myers bashing around here and a bad start, he was at worst a solid 3-4 and a marginal 2 at his best. It’s harder than some people think to replace that kind of guy.
(2) The phillies, despite a ton of good pitching prospects, lack someone ready to step in now and pitch well.

That said, obviously the recent slide has little to do with losing Myers specifically.

They’re going to make a deal at some point to fill that spot. I actually agree with what you have said previously John, that to have a good chance to repeat they need to add a legitimate 1 or 2. But theere may not be one available. Adding a 3 or 4 will significantly increase their chances of getting to the post season but not significantly increase their chances of winning once they get there.