Four-for-Four: The “I’m Feeling a Draft” Edition

PHILLIES

KENNY F*****’ GILES

Nov 2, 2013; Surprise, AZ, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Ken Giles against the East during the Fall Stars Game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Phillies have enough issues with their current closer to keep them busy for days. Fortunately, they may have a prospect waiting in the wings with electric stuff and a name that is taylor-made for the closer position.

Giles recently made an appearance on SportsRadio WIP’s morning show to discuss his early success and where he is at in his young career. He even answers like a closer.

"“I mean, that’s really hard to describe. It’s — I don’t know who to describe it, honestly,” explained Giles on throwing the ball that fast. “Honestly, if I can’t see the ball coming out of my hand, I don’t think anybody can kind of thing. When guys ask me that, what does it feel like, I just kind of reverse it on them, well how does it feel like to throw a perfect change-up because I can’t throw a change-up kind of thing. So, it’s hard to describe honestly.”"

Giles, who closed for the Phillies Double-A affiliate in Reading, is 23 and still developing as a pitcher. He is probably far off from joining the big club, but it’s impossible to ignore an arm that consistently touches triple-digits. If Giles’ progress continues, one can only imagine the field day of nicknames and t-shirts dedicated to the flamethrower.

COLE HAMELS UPDATE

For a situation that seemed extremely bleak upon its first reporting, it looks as if the Phillies might escape Cole Hamels’ injury scare with minimal impact.

The starting pitching has left a lot to be desired and the team is in desperate need of some top-end talent. With Cliff Lee struggling through his first three starts and A.J. Burnett already dealing with some minor injuries, the return of Hamels is essential to the Phillies success.

WHAT DEGENERATIVE KNEES?

Being Chase Utley these days has to be tough. On one hand, the Phillies second baseman has degenerative knee issues and, in the latter stages of his career, has to approach the game with a different fervor than when he was just a pup. On the other hand, perhaps no Phillie gets hit with more pitches than Utley and manages to shrug them off like a mosquito bite. The following example of the internal struggle posed to Utley every day occurred during the team’s series with the Cubs.

Not even a wince. What a stud.