Gavin

Floyd

As of today, the Phillies have Randy Wolf, Vicente Padilla, Brett Myers and Floyd tagged for rotation spots. Expect them to go after someone to headline the rotation, as well as a cheap option who can fill in if Floyd falters.

Mitchinson, 19, who lives in Western Australia, went 7-0 with a 1.75 ERA in the Gulf Coast League. In 61 2/3 innings, he struck out 60 hitters against just one walk. Ryan Howard, much less surprisingly, took the award for the organization’s top hitting prospect.

Not a bad idea to have Floyd active this weekend, as he could pick up a victory against a weak opponent. Manager Larry Bowa may go with this system in the rest of Millwood’s starts if it works.

If, as expected, Padilla is okay, Floyd will likely open the season with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He would still be the first choice to move into the Phillies’ rotation.

Floyd added his bulk to the lower half of his body, giving him the ability to drives off the rubber ala Mark Prior. Floyd is headed for Double-A Reading and could challenge for a spot in the Phillies rotation in 2005.

Floyd has a 2.39 ERA at Double-A Reading but the Phillies feel he is too inconsistent to help them or even to help Scranton right now.

It’s about time. Floyd went 6-6 with a 2.57 ERA, 93 H and 94/46 K/BB in 119 IP for Reading. The Phillies are likely to acquire a reliever prior to tomorrow’s deadline, but if it doesn’t happen, they just might decide to see if Floyd can give the pen a lift.

Floyd evened his record at 6-6 while allowing two runs. He struck out two and walked four, with two of the walks coming in the ninth when he was tiring. He also had two singles and an RBI. The Phillies are taking an odd approach with Floyd, who lowered his ERA to 2.57. They won’t promote him to Triple-A, much less the majors, but they refuse to trade him to other teams that think he’s major-league ready or close.

How frustrating. Floyd just isn’t going to be of any help to the Phillies this season.

He’s been inconsistent in Triple-A, so don’t expect much from his when he shows up in Philly.