It is being reported in the Houston media that the Houston Astros have officially named right-handed pitcher Brett Myers as their Opening Day starter against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Myers came to the Astros via a one-year deal on January 8, 2010. After the 2009 World Series, he filed for free agency after the Phillies informed him that they would not be pursuing a new contract with him.
He agreed to a two-year extension on his contract on August 1, 2010, with a club option for the 2013 season.
During the 2010 season, Myers was 14-8 (.636) with a 3.14 ERA. He appeared in 33 games while striking out 180 batters and walking 66.
In 2011 Grapefruit League action, he has appeared in four games with a 0-1 record and a 9.00 ERA. He has pitched 13 innings, giving up 13 runs on 21 hits and one home run. He has walked three and struck out seven.
In his Opening Day appearance in Philadelphia, he will be facing his former team and defending Cy Young Award winner Roy Halladay.
The question all spring training has been who would start for the Astros on Opening Day. The majority of those “in-the-know” or those “with opinions” say that it would be either Myers or Wandy Rodriguez.
Rodriguez most likely will be the Astros’ No. 2 starter with J.A. Harp and Bud Norris vying for the No. 3 and No. 4 spots.
Myers has had controversy in the past, with the 2006 wife-punching incident in Boston, which ended with the case being dismissed.
There have been no further incidents involving Myers, but it would not be surprising to see hostility toward him on Opening Day.
He will surely face an unfriendly crowd in Philadelphia, and as anyone who follows baseball knows, Philadelphia fans can be tough on former players.
Hopefully, he can get past that and come on strong for the Astros. Heaven knows the Astros need all the help they can get this season. Myers can either be part of the solution or part of the problem.
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