Let's Meet JA Happ

JA Happ will get the start tonight against the Mets. He'll be opposed by Johan Santana and the Mets, so it's safe to say that no one is expecting a complete game shut out from Happ. Which may be a good thing for him, expectations wouldn't be that high no matter who he was facing, but facing Santana helps that much more.

However, Happ will have revenge on his mind. His one and only start came last season against the New York Mets. Happ gave up 3 long balls, struck out 5, but regardless left the game with a 11.25 ERA. Now we all know that's one game and Happ has shown ability to be an "innings eater" in the minors. Happ doesn't have overpowering stuff, nor is any of it tricky. He's much like Kyle Kendrick in that he pitches best when he's got his head on straight. Meaning he doesn't get ahead of himself, doesn't get to up or too down. He knows what he has to work with and knows his limitations. Kendrick has used that mentality to earn himself a spot in the Phils rotation. Happ starting today was the Delaware Valley's worst kept secret, so here's hoping Happ has had time to mentally prepare himself for this opportunity he's getting.

-In this age of blogging (Yeah whose really blogging these days?) JA has his very own blog called "What's HAPPening," clever huh?

Mike Santa Barbara