No. 10: Vance Worley
Yes, that’s right. The man nicknamed the “Vanimal” starts off this list.
Although now he’s a journeyman starter who most recently pitched with the Miami Marlins in 2017, Worley had a solid 2011 campaign with the Phillies. He was best known as the fifth starter in the “Four Aces” rotation, but he was no slouch in that 2011 season.
Worley finished the 2011 season with an 11-3 record and an ERA just over three in his 21 starts. That 2011 pitching staff was outstanding all year long as Worley’s solid 3.01 ERA was good for just fourth on the team.
He went on to pitch just one more season with the Phillies after that, finishing with a subpar ERA that was over four in 23 starts during the team’s first season out of the playoffs since 2006.
The fact that Worley is on this list shows the lack of quantity of good pitchers the team has had over the last decade. While we obviously know there has been great quality, but there have not been many quality starters over the last four seasons.
Next up on our list is a pitcher Phillies fans are used to seeing over the past two seasons.