Photo: Earl Gardner
Aside from the now familiar, if changing, list of absences due to injury, suspension, and international duty, the situation could not have set up any more perfectly for Jim Curtin on Sunday night.
A tired DC United squad, content following a come from behind midweek victory over Orlando, overlooked the Union, turning up at PPL Park assuming they could get a result. Fielding a number of reserve players, Ben Olsen’s side expected to control the middle of pitch, make the most of their chances on the counterattack and see what Chris Rolfe could conjure against the Union’s highly suspect backline.
But Curtin matched Olsen’s combative, veteran side with one of his own, turning to Conor Casey, Brian Carroll, and Sebastien Le Toux –heady players who have seen all there is to see in MLS and know how to slog out a result, when necessary. And while the Union grew more dangerous throughout the match the deeper United shrank into their defense shell, it was still a slog. The cheap turnovers, slow decision making, and passing inaccuracies that have plagued the Union throughout 2015 looked set to cost Philadelphia two points when, after Miguel Aguilar’s 50th minute shot careened back off the post, it appeared clear that DC had little spark left in their legs.
Credit goes to both the Union and their manager though, since unlike in games pass, it was two of Jim Curtin’s substitutes who not only combined to score the winner, but also helped the hosts to turn the screws against DC once it became clear that only one team in the building was looking for a victory.
And in the end, the Union truly did deserve the points, though their quality can only be assessed in terms relative to United’s feeble and, in the end, shorthanded play.
Because, while it was a critical victory for the Union, it was by no means a pretty one. In knocking off DC, the Union managed to win the possession battle, yet they still finished with a sub 75 percent passing rate. Even on their most dominant days, of which this certainly was one, the Union remain criminally careless with the ball, especially in their own half of the field.
Mo the Magnificent
Edu’s defensive (L) and passing (R) charts vs. DC United
Yet, when the defense was in shambles and DC’s early pressure looked like it might bear fruit, it was the Union’s captain who put the team on his shoulders. Returning to the centerback slot where he played his best soccer in 2014, Maurice Edu put on the kind of show that struggling teams need from their leaders and Union fans having been waiting to see from the man now tasked with wearing the armband.
His defensive statistics alone are staggering: 20 recoveries, 3 clearances, 2 tackles won, and 2 interceptions. Recording 2 tackles and 20 recoveries speaks to a player putting in the positional work off the ball, setting himself up to win the footraces. In Edu’s case, his gliding strides allow him to put out fires almost casually, without the need for lunging sliding tackles or overly forceful defending.
But that was hardly the entire story. While Ethan White performed his best Sean Landeta impression on the right side of defense, Edu was as patient as ever, looking for the short, simple option. Knowing the gap that often forms between DC’s two forwards and their deep lying midfield duo, the strength he showed to earn himself extra time on the ball payed off with Vincent Nogueira and Chaco Maidana finding the space to offer him the required outlet.
And as the scoreless match wore on, it was Edu who drove his team higher and higher up the pitch, often charging over midfield in the second half to play Fabinho and Zach Pfeffer up the wing, forcing them to attack DC’s tired backline.
Fullback attack
above
As Adam Cann pointed out in the match preview, DC does not have the type of high flying wingers who are capable of screaming up the touchlines to make plays. Instead, Michael Farfan, Nick DeLeon, and often Chris Pontius, are more technical players who prefer to pinch in and support the attack, especially given the lack of a true central midfield attacker. Throughout the year, it has been their workmanlike defensive efforts, ones that have seen them track back hard to protect their fullbacks, that has helped DC’s defense become one of the East’s best. On Sunday night however, they failed to stick to their script. With a tired looking Farfan opposite a less than hyper-disciplined Miguel Aguilar, the Union’s fullbacks found a lot more space than usual to attack.
Sheanon Williams, who rarely needs an invitation to get forward, read DC’s intentions early, taking advantage of the athletic difference between himself and Chris Korb, who replaced Sean Franklin on the night. While he first tried to release Andrew Wenger into the available space up the line, Williams quickly grew tired of his winger’s lack of desire to challenge the backline without the ball at his feet. Undeterred, Williams simply bypassed Wenger in the build up, tearing up the field to give Maidana, Nogueira, and Casey an option up the wing.
When injury forced Ray Gaddis off the pitch and sent Williams back to right fullback, the surging attacks from the wings only increased. With DC pinned deep and Edu in dominant form, Fabinho was under no obligation to defend and the Brazilian picked up where Williams had left off, giving Chris Korb fits as he powered towards the endline.
Casey the Warrior
While the defense turned in perhaps their best performance of 2015, Conor Casey turned back the clock up front, giving his coach 90 minutes of hard-fought, physical holdup play when the Union needed it most. With only 105 minutes of playing time broken up over 7 largely sluggish substitute appearances, Union fans could have been forgiven for worrying how much Casey had left in his tank, and whether he could effectively combat the in form center back pairing of Bobby Boswell and Kofi Opare.
Boswell and Opare chase Casey.
But while he failed to convert on any of his handful of scoring chances, Casey’s ability to win headers, battle with defenders, and roll out to the wings kept his teammates pressing up the field. Whether they were targeting him with long balls in the air, or passes to his feet, Casey’s lack of mobility served as a positive, with his teammates always having a pretty good idea of where he was going to be. Installed in the center of the pitch somewhere between the center circle and the 18 yard box, he kept the DC defense honest while making himself a consistent outlet for the Union attack.
With the match winding deep into stoppage time, it is to Casey’s immense credit that he was not only still fighting to make space for himself in the box, but also doing so in a way that drew the attention of both central defenders. On the decisive play in the 93rd minute (see above right), Casey’s driving near post run into the box drew both Boswell and Opare. While Le Toux’s dummy fooled Perry Kitchen and allowed the ball through, it was 90 minutes of work from Casey that led to the wide open pocket of space Zach Pfeffer found to power home the match winner.
Player Ratings
Brian Sylvestre – 6
Claimed the balls he needed to with safe hands and was fortunate to see DC’s only testing shot clang off the far post. Sylvestre will wish all MLS matches were this simple.
Ray Gaddis – 5
Solid, if unspectacular, from the Union right back before being forced off with an ankle injury. Continues to be too tentative in attack, failing to use his speed to take the space given to him up the touchline. Very unlucky to be cut down by White when he tried to close the angle on Aguilar, the Union will be sweating on his fitness throughout the week. Somewhere, Lloyd Sam is salivating at the thought of getting another crack at Fabinho.
Ethan White – 3
Far too inconsistent with his positioning, passing, and reading of the game. With all of the Union’s other defenders turning in energetic, improved showings, White’s lack of composure was laid bare for all to see.
Maurice Edu – 9
See above. An immense performance.
Sheanon Williams – 7
His best performance in a long time, Williams showed off his ability to drive well-flighted crosses into the area on either foot and got deep enough behind the United defense to make a real nuisance of himself. At the defensive end, Williams twice saved the Union’s bacon in the second half in a manner that will have Union fans excited that he might finally be rediscovering his top form.
Vincent Nogueira – 6
Harried and physically intimidated by the aggressive Halsti and Kitchen in the early going, Nogueira had the last laugh. The diminutive Frenchman looked almost back to his 2014 best in the second half, as he was the metronome that kept the ball rolling and deftly switched fields before DC could close play down.
Brian Carroll – 6
Struggled mightily out of the gates, with DC flooding the space around him. As the Union gradually pressed United back, Carroll grew into the match, sitting at the base of the attack, confidently switching the point of attack.
Sebastien Le Toux – 6
Did well to get himself, and the ball, to the endline a number of times, though his cutbacks into the box left a lot to be desired. While showing more discipline than he has in past weeks, Le Toux continues to look snake bitten in front of goal. Against any MLS goalkeeper other than Bill Hamid,though, and his 73rd minute strike is probably in the back of the net. Picks up an extra point for the heady decision to dumb Fabinho’s cross onto Zach Pfeffer for the matchwinner.
Cristian Maidana – 6
Part infuriatingly inconsistent, part pure soccer magic, Maidana had an up and down showing on Sunday. Despite being guilty of another handful of dangerously sloppy turnovers (like the one that led to Vancouver’s second goal last weekend), Maidana can also point to a series of exquisite entry passes to send his teammates away.
Andrew Wenger – 2
For years, Union fans will look back on this game as the “Andrew Wenger dribbled the ball out of bounds” game, a name as clumsy as the play itself.
Conor Casey – 6
There is no questioning Casey’s heart, after he left everything he had on the pitch on Sunday night. His legs however, are certainly up for inquiry, as he was a step too slow on a number of occasions and lacked the quickness to get the ball out of his feet and fire shots on target. That said, he still competed for every header with both Boswell and Opare, winning a great number of challenges.
Substitutions
Fabinho – 7
If only the Union played more games in which the opposition was pinned back and actually playing defense was surplus to requirements. Entering with the Union entirely on the front foot, Fabinho turned in his most dangerous attacking performance since his first weeks at the club. After an early floated cross was gobbled up by Hamid, he did well to adjust, and his eventual, match-winning assist was low and right on the money.
Zach Pfeffer – 8
Curtin deserves credit for the savvy move of inserting the technical, aggressive Pfeffer on the left flank, instead of a more direct attacker like Eric Ayuk or Jimmy McLaughlin. With his teammate already in control of the match, Pfeffer helped the Union consolidate their dominance as they broke into the final third.
Eric Ayuk – N/A
In 8 minutes of play, Ayuk was credited with one touch of the ball.
Geiger Counter
Alan Kelly – 4
An awkward, stuttering performance from an awkward, stuttering official. Seemed significantly more concerned about throw-in placement than other, more important things, such as fouls. Whistled a number of bizarre, phantom fouls in and around both penalty areas, though he did get both big calls — Casey’s and Pontius’ waved off goals — correct.
4-2-3-1
Sylvestre; Gaddis, Marquez, Vitoria, Williams; Carroll, Nogueira; Le Toux, Maidana, Pfeffer; Aristeguieta
I noticed the thrown-in over strictness too, really bizarre from the referee
Loved Casey’s performance. He always seems to come alive at this time of the season. I just wonder who will get the armband next week with Edu suspended, my guess is that it goes back to carroll if he starts.
With regard to the Fabinho evaluation, I’ve said before that I think he should be an option to replace Wenger. Granted, Pfeffer may have just taken that job, but it’s clear to me that Fabinho is much better offensively when he doesn’t have to play much defense. With Gaddis or Williams behind him, I think he’s decent on the left flank.
Actually, I think team would be much better served if we swapped Fabinho and Wenger. At this point, Wenger has greater impact on defense, even while playing on the wing. Let’s put him back there permanently, and move Fabinho up to the left wing (not at the expense if Zach, or more natural players, but as needed).
This team doesn’t have the resources to get players. So get the most out of the players you have.
I don’t disagree with you, and I hope Wenger finds his spot, but is he really a better option than Gaddis/Williams?
No, he’s not a better option at this time. He should be the backup left back until they find a true one (not that it seems like that will ever happen).
But if we needed someone to play left-back, due to Williams/Gaddis being out, would you feel more comfortable with Wenger or Fabinho there? Personally, and as odd as it is, I’d feel better with Wenger at LB.
Well, I haven’t seen Wenger at LB, and I’m not willing to go on old, vague and unattributed scouting reports (something about Real Madrid).
That said, I’m all for giving him a shot there. And yes, if Gaddis is out, I’d rather see Fabinho in front of Wenger than vice versa.
Sorry, but the most you can get out of Wenger is a person to sit on the bench. I think he needs to take some time and not play he has no confidence, has lost all his skill. He is much better served being on that bench as an emergency sub if necessary. If its me Wenger doesn’t see the field for at least 3 – 6 games if ever.
Fabinho is really good at zipping up the left sideline and putting in a cross. The problem us, that’s all he’s really good at. He could be a left wing mid in a pinch — or if we want a defensive substitution to lock down a lead — but in terms of his offensive arsenal that’s ALL he has, and that’s all he does. So his play as a midfielder would be very limited by someone he sees his game and refuses to let him run down the line.
My question to you is how is this different from Wenger who has shown no signs of attempting to adjust to how he is played and at least Fabinho can zip in a cross.
Exactly my thought. Nobody is saying that Fabinho is the answer, just that wenger needs to be removed from that position.
I’ve shown that “play” to a bunch of people (including non soccer fans) to which they all reply: “what the heck was that doing? you’re not supposed to run the ball out of bounds like that, are you?”
I totally give it up to the players for stepping it up when their backs were against the wall. Hopefully we’ll see it with a healthy and present bench. What this team is and should be are just a Sugarman and Sakiewicz resignation away. Yes I am constantly beating this drum because the danger to the MLS franchise we’ve ALL been working more than a decade for is in clear and present danger!! The stinging indictments are viral now and a constant talking point when the Union are on national TV. In my opinion the name Sakiewicz has become synonymous with questionable decision making and failure! If I’m wrong in my assessment of all things Sakiewicz then I apologize however, when it comes to our MLS team he needs to not just talk about it,but be about it!!
Sell this franchise to a competent and financially competitive ownership!!
FREE THIS FRANCHISE!!!
Agreed.
Giving Fabinho so much credit for the assist is ridiculous. He had his head down and just flung it towards Le Toux. What made the play was Le Toux’s dummy. Thank God DCU was playing for a point and he didn’t have to actually defend anyone. A perfect place to use the man, I suppose.
4 was overly generous to Kelly. I thought the Edu yellow card was questionable, especially when he didn’t give Aguilar a yellow for persistent fouling and didn’t even give him a warning until the BC pointed out how many fouls it had been.
Is Edu hurt or something? You give him a 9 and then don’t have him start next week.
Edu is out due to a yellow card accumulation.
Thanks for the quick reply! Sad it was a soft yellow.
Saddest thing is the DC game was the last one he needed to qualify for the yellow gard partial amnesty. In his defense he was protecting a win.
As has been stated before there is always an error of +/- 1 for each of these numbers so not gonna harp on some of the smaller numbers I disagree with, but Williams at a 7 is a stretch. To me it may have been his best game yet, but thats not saying much. I don’t think he had a much better day then Gaddis. I give him a 5. Williams is still often out of position while he sent in a few good crosses see what happened when Fabinho came in that should have been happening all game from Williams the space was open and the area was free.
I don’t see it that way at all. Williams was complete value for his rating. His wing play was dangerous and aggressive all game and his service was strong from both sides of the pitch. Defensively, he made two of the type of saving tackles that are usually associated with Gaddis’ play. He played a very good game, aside from his ugly yellow card challenge. Not trying to knock Gaddis, just acknowledging that Williams was indeed very good on the night.
Eli, we agree on Williams!!!! He put in a solid 90′, not a 7, but solid. Gaddis was just as good, though.
That simply is not true in this instance. Williams was better both offensively (much) and defensively (slightly). It is ok for Williams to get the nod when he deserves it, which he did on Sunday.
Eli, I agree Williams had a decent night just seems his score is inflated by the victory as are a few of the scores just like TBH said. However, those last ditch efforts that Williams saved plays on would not need to occur had the backline not been out of position, Williams included. While they were last ditch efforts that may have saved points this should not consistently be happening. Also to me last ditch saves does not increase the player rating. Backline still needs to get it together whoever is out there. But were not arguing much here in the way way of points. And there were obviously more problems such as Wenger and White that should be fixed first.
I’ll accept that the ratings may be a tad inflated today, perhaps I’m just in a good mood. Regarding the saving tackles however, both came from Williams covering for a teammate. The second and more egregious saw Rolfe run across White’s face and then roll in behind him. The CB should have taken care of it from jump, but did not, thus the need for an emergency intervention. I agree that full blown break downs are unacceptable and do happen too frequently with this team. In my opinion, I twice saw individual mistakes require immediate action, which Williams provided. Those are the kind of plays that deserve to be lauded. After all, one of Gaddis’ most valued traits is his “scrambling” defense.
.
Again, perhaps my general outlook was slightly rosy, but were I to redo the rankings, Williams would stay a point or two above the rest of the pack.
I think Williams is quite over valued, that said, were it not for his very heady defensive play at the end of game, likely the Union shell up and they lose 1-0.
.
That earns him the 6 to 6.5 from my POV.
.
That said only Edu and Pfeffer are greater or equal to 7.
If you are a consistent reader, every week they underrate Gaddis. Every week someone points this out in the comments. They don’t rate lock down defense as much as you or I. As if rating a defender based on how well they, you know…defend…is some sort of sorcery. Thierry Henry told the guy he’s one of the toughest to play against in MLS and demanded to trade shirts with him last year. But what the heck does he know? It is what it is.
Though this week, I actually agree with them. The Candyman was on point and actually played very well. Gaddis played a quiet game, but that’s not a bad thing for a defender. Hell, I completely forgot Brian Carroll was on the field at times and that’s pretty much exactly what you want from him in that 6 role. Anyway…I’d say Williams 6.5, Gaddis 6. Both did pretty well.
You know, it’s true, people have been pointing this out lately, re: Gaddis being underrated here at PSP. I actually don’t think he is underrated.
.
To me, he’s probably in the upper tier of starting right backs in the league. (I’m saying this off the top of my head without ranking them one by one.) Certainly, he’s one of the league’s best 1-on-1 defenders, and he’s VERY consistent.
.
What probably brings his ratings down is that, when at left back, he offers nothing in attack, and he is also weak defending set pieces (which hits him in some games but not in most). At right back, you’ll probably see his player ratings go up because he can do more in the attack. He is a very right-footed player.
.
Also, spot on, re: noticing defending. Often, all you notice is that an attacker disappears from a game.
I couldn’t disagree more with this statement.
.
For me, Gaddis is average at best and one dimensional. If anything this site overrates him.
.
The love he get really reminds me of the talk years ago round here regarding William’s USMNT prospects.
.
Gaddis weaknesses: Poor positional awareness, one footed, no offensive output or contributions, physically weak and easily pushed off ball…and as you said poor at defending set pieces.
.
If anything this season has really highlighted his weaknesses.
Good counterpoint. Except the “average at best” part, and PSP overrating him. I definitely disagree with the former, and on the latter … well, if one group says we overrate him and another says we underrate him, maybe we’re rating him just right after all. 😉 (Or maybe not.)
The ratings are a bit inflated, this week.
.
The quality was still missing…just not as much as usual. We won the match but we were, by no means, good on Sunday. I didn’t see a player worthy of higher than a 7 (Edu). Everyone else looked fairly average.
I know victory makes everything sweeter but The numbers seem to be by and large 2 notches 2 high(the sequel). DC did everything in thier power to give the Union the game up to and including spotting them a man. and then they still almost didn’t pull it off.
Well, everyone from DC United except Hamid. He made some spectacular saves to keep them in the game despite the best efforts of their defense.
.
While a win may inflate the ratings (just as conversely, a loss will lower them) they are about right.
.
Once Mo got the back line under control after the first 10 minutes or so, they played with a passion and intensity that comes from knowing your back is against the wall. Yeah, some stupid mistakes were made, but overall I’m pleased.
A win for DC on sunday was 1 point.
“Philadelphia is the only city where you can experience the thrill of victory and the agony of reading about it the next day.”
If this was our 4th or 5th win in a row, the “carrion crows” wouldn’t still be picking at this carcass. However, this was a lucky win, a win nonetheless, but a lucky win. Zach expertly buried the ball from a LeToux dummy and was a beautiful site to witness. Though would have this chance still happened if DC was not playing with 10 men. The Union get an extra unmarked body (Pfeffer) in the box, because there is one less player on the pitch for DC. How many wins did the Union have last year because of Red cards/being up a man? I am very happy the Union finally got a win after a long month drought…..but you have to look at this objectively and not with rose colored glasses.
Celebrate the win, don’t glorify it because there is SOOOOO Much that still needs to be fixed. I hope for everyone’s sanity, that more solutions appear than mistakes.
Love it, simply love it! You put it in quotes, so you have a source. Who or what is your source, so I may be intellectually responsible?
It’s a quote from Mike Schmidt.
You’re not from around here, are you? I mean no offense. Perhaps you just never paid attention to baseball, which is fine. I apologize for skipping the attribution. I reckoned everyone knew it anyway. Sorry
So… like I do after every game, I want to take a moment and thank Erik Ayuk for coming over and signing my daughter’s scarf, as well as signing for the other kids in the area. It was awesome to see how excited one family was, and for all the ups and downs – and lets face it, mostly downs – for this team this is one thing these players generally get right. They treat their fans – especially the kids – well. So, kudos to Ayuk for coming over and spending some time in the corner near Section 101.
.
Putting aside Sak – I did email my “open letter” comment to the Union – and all the bullshit. Let’s talk about the game. It was clear DC was content to get the draw, even before going down to 10 players. So, kudos to Curtin and the on-field leadership for realizing it and pushing for the win. At least they weren’t willing to sit back and happily let DC have their draw. That to me is a plus.
.
I’ve killed Brian Carroll in the past. Figuratively, of course. So… I thought Carroll had a good game overall. There were quite a few times I saw BC check in to give White or Edu an outlet. The fact that White still preferred to go backward toward his goalie more often than not isn’t BC’s fault.
.
Also, Fabinho deserves a bit of praise. In his honor, I’ll halt work on the rocket to the sun for a 48 hour period. This game played perfectly to his specific skill set, which of course makes him look better. But still, it’s nice to have had him on the pitch and not have to pull out what little hair I have left.
.
I think it’s worth pointing out, too, that Curtin was going to remove Casey with his last sub – right up until the moment when Nogs grabbed his left hamstring. Thankfully the sub hadn’t happened yet when Noggy came up a little sore.
.
Casey, at times, infuriates me with his hanging around in an offside position. I understand the whole conservation of energy and all that. But it’s just one of those things that even though I understand it – including using it to spring a teammate by lulling the CBs to sleep once or twice – it’s something I can’t quite convince myself is anything other than a bit lazy. Totally my failing, I’m sure.
.
Dear Mo Edu. Play more games like that please? I’ll gladly use a DP slot on your salary for a player who bosses the game like that.
.
Dear Brian Sylvestre. Welcome to MLS. You look like you belong, dude. Keep it up!
.
Last on the praise, I thought Le Toux may have had one of his better games of the season. His touch was better – though still not good enough – and his defense was better. Hopefully this is a sign that our French talisman is about to break out of his funk.
.
.
So… does Andrew Wenger have compromising pictures of Sak, Curtin, or both? I mean, is there any other explanation for how this dude gets to start every week even while Chaco, Le Toux, etc spend time in the dog house? It’s time for Andrew to sit and make way for somebody else, at least for a few games.
.
Ethan White. Thanks for filling in. Hopefully it’s the last time we need you this season. Because honestly, I’m old enough now that I’m not sure my heart can handle the anxiety of watching you make a back pass to our goalie again.
.
.
Winning helps. I’m quite sure if this had been a draw I would’ve been a lot more critical. (If this had been a loss, I may have become catatonic…) Now need to go to New Jersey and have a good showing. A road draw, of course, is perfectly fine. Though a win is better…
John king, reference Wenger, I have wondered the same thing, repeatedly, altho’ the compromising pictures hadn’t occurred to me! My working theory, based on no tangible evidence only my “gut” is that Jim Curtin’s read of Andrew Wenger’s psychology is that to bench him is to destroy him psychologically.
.
We know through Jim Curtin’s comments that he has had two “come to Jesus” meetings, so-called, (my words not his) with players about their play, Williams and Lahoud. The Lahoud meeting worked, former teammates so Curtin knew his man in ways that a coach may not know a player. Williams’s meeting was more recent and the evaluation of its success is on-going. An assistant coach has the freedom to learn things that a head coach does not because it is easier for a player to be less careful about interacting with an assistant. Further, Curtin was a Defender and Williams is one also, so not the same level of acquaintance as Lahoud, but they’ve got some time together. My guess is that Curtin doesn’t think such a tactic will wor with Wenger, because either he’s tried it and it has failed or he hasn’t felt it was right to try.
.
The other thing to keep in mind about Wenger is that this is the last year of his contract, if I am remembering the information given at the time of the NcInerney trade accurately. For the possible relevance of the point, see the story from Lehigh Valley about Phillippe Aumont becoming a starter recently.
Help me to see the Aumont reference through OSC.
.
Aumont, as a starter has a 1.36 ERA in the last 7 games. Are you saying that as a bench player/reliever he was unable to get comfortable and allow his ‘stuff’ to work in the way he would best like?
.
Do you think Andrew would not be able to play his best as a reserve then? Clearly he is not handling the pressure very well and playing his best as a starter.
.
To me the comparison between Andrew and Aumont is inverted and I am having trouble seeing it through.
.
BTW- this bodes well for the Phillies if he can lock in as a starter. Their rotation could be quite good in the next 18 months or so going forward – even if they unload Hamels for a mint.
.
Double submission below.
Help me to see the Aumont reference through OSC.
.
Aumont, as a starter has a 1.36 ERA in the last 7 games. Are you saying that as a bench player/reliever he was unable to get comfortable and allow his ‘stuff’ to work in the way he would best like?
.
Do you think Andrew would not be able to play his best as a reserve then? Clearly he is not handling the pressure very well and playing his best as a starter.
.
To me the comparison between Andrew and Aumont is inverted and I am having trouble seeing it through.
.
BTW- this bodes well for the Phillies if he can lock in as a starter. Their rotation could be quite good in the next 18 months or so going forward – even if they unload Hamels for a mint.