Mike Adams No Longer a Problem for Phillies

Mike Adams came to Philadelphia to be one of the game’s best set-up men.

He’s been smacked around a bit, visiting the DL in his spare time, and it’s safe to say things haven’t gone according to plan.  And if they have, then this plan sucks.

Jun 11, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Mike Adams (37) delivers a pitch in the eighth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Twins won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Adams is just one portion of the Phillies’ blueprint going into 2013 whose downward spiral was not predicted, so there’s not technically a feasible contingency plan in place.  Sure, one of those youngsters will jump into the eighth inning and do their thing – “thing” being “giving up hits/runs” – but that’s more of a “warm body” situation.  Besides, with the way Papelbon’s been throwing, setting him up is easier than ever.

But Adams isn’t going to be a problem for the Phillies anymore, you’ll be happy to know.  You won’t be happy to know that it’s because he’s headed for the DL again – possibly for the rest of the season.

He’s sitting for the same reason as fellow Phillies reliever Michael Stutes; right bicep tendinitis, but an MRI also showed that Adam’s $12 million arm had some “labrum changes,” which, if operated on, would mean the end of 2013 for the 34-year-old right-hander.

Rich Dubee apparently gathered all the relievers together for a meeting the other day, just before the series with the Padres started with a horrendous fart of bullpen incompetence, so he could shrug at them and go “……uhh…hmmm?”

It was a resounding speech that gave everyone the confidence to believe in themselves and maybe try to change careers while they’re still young.