Phillies Preview: October 4, 2009

Florida Marlins (87-74) at Philadelphia Phillies (92-69)

1:35pm - Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA

Josh Johnson, RHP (15-5, 3.08) v. J.A. Happ, LHP (12-4, 2.85)

The Phillies have made J.A. Happ their season finale starter. Happ will be opposed by one of the best pitchers in the league, Josh Johnson. Johnson has tremendous ability, but was defeated by the Phillies the last time these teams matched up in Florida. With the Phillies looking to have one final tune up before the playoffs, they may elect to field a mostly reserve-player team.

Happ has enjoyed a very successful rookie campaign. He will get the start this afternoon in preparation for the playoffs and a role that is unclear at this point. Starting today leaves the possibility for Happ to appear as a reliever in games one or two and also potentially start games three or four. He will face a Marlins team that has been hot of late. Happ will need to control his fastball and throw strikes early in order to have success.

Josh Johnson will close out the season for the Marlins. He will be pitching in front of a partial line up as some of the Marlins' key players will be held out due to injury. Though this game is of little consequence to either side, it will be a good match up for the Phillies, as Johnson is a very high-caliber pitcher. Johnson has quietly had a great season, though the Phillies did defeat him in their last meeting. Phillies hitters will need to be aggressive and selective all at the same time, as falling behind Johnson makes them very vulnerable to the strike out.

In the season finale, the Phillies will try to put an exclamation point on another successful season. Though the game has little consequence to the playoffs, it is important for them to have a good performance from the pitching staff, as they prepare for the NLDS. With many of the starters likely to rest, it will be interesting to see which reserves get to play. Likewise, with the bullpen, the Phillies may provide some insight into what their postseason roster will look like.