Doc and Mini-Doc: A Tale of Two Pitchers

The Grapefruit League has now begun, with the Phillies playing their official spring training game against some team from the Bronx today. The name of that team escapes me right now, but I'm sure I'll remember it sometime this October. The funniest comment I saw today on that subject:

@djforbes77: #Phillies beat the #Yankees today, 3-2. So now it's 4-3, Yankees, in the best of 9 World Series....Go Phillies!!! You can do it!!!!

If only... Anyhow, much has already been made about the work ethic of Roy Halladay and the effect that it's had on Kyle Kendrick, from his early-rising dedication to his new red Halladay-esque beard. We got to see them both put on some good performances today:

Halladay: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Kendrick: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Looks pretty similar, just like the men themselves:

(Left: Photo courtesy of the AP;
Right: Photo courtesy of philly.com)

I couldn't resist putting that photo of Kendrick in, but you'll have to take my word that he looks like a Mini-Halladay. He almost pitched like one too, but giving up that one hit in two innings probably caused him to go and cry because he didn't live up to his man crush's performance in the previous two innings. It's okay, they can always play a little more father-son catch:

(Photo courtesy of Yong Kim/Philadelphia Inquirer)

Maybe Kendrick purposely got himself sent down to the minors to further mirror Roy Halladay's career path. Kendrick already missed having a no hitter broken up on the last out in his second major league appearance, so he's got some catching up to do.

If Kendrick can gain greater confidence and better control than we've seen in the past, he can be a great anchor at the back of our rotation. Today's performance means that the battle for the 5th starter spot has officially begun. Jamie Moyer pitches tomorrow in the B game against Roy Halladay's former team, and people will undoubtedly be comparing his performance to Kendrick's today. The best thing that can happen for the team is that both pitchers perform above expectations and Charlie has a tough choice ahead of him. Ball's in your court, Jamie.

Back with our new ace, Harry Leroy Halladay, he showed some awesome control for this time of year. Hell, he showed some awesome control for any time of year. Out of 24 pitches, 21 were strikes, and almost none of those were over the middle of the plate. To paraphrase myself, if this guy doesn't make you excited yet as a Phillies fan, please consult a doctor.

If pictures are not enough for you, check out some video of Doc pitching today. If you feel butterflies in your stomach watching it, that's okay. It's a common side effect.

If you have ESPN Insider Access, see the initimable Jayson Stark's take on Roy Halladay's transition to his new team.

I almost forgot to include this, but I can't leave out phillygameday.com: 
Report: Halladay retires six Yankee batters on two pitches