Who Will Be the Fifth Starter for the Phillies?

While the first four slots in the Phillies rotation have been set for months (Halladay, Hamels, Blanton and Happ), the fifth spot in the rotation is yet again a question mark for the Phillies entering the season. The two names that are being thrown around are both ones of players who have had up and down tenures in Philadelphia
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The ageless wonder, Jamie Moyer, who is still pitching at age 47 could regain his spot in the rotation after being relegated to the bullpen last season following the acquisition of Pedro Martinez. It is somewhat surprising to see Moyer pitching this season after he expressed frustration after he lost his spot in the rotation last season. Before being moved to the bullpen Moyer led the staff with 10 wins, but had a 5.47 ERA. In his first Grapefruit League start of 2010 Moyer gave up one run on six hits over five innings, while striking out six. While the jury is still out on whether or not he can bounce back from a rough 2009, Moyer's extensive
experience make him the less risky choice for the final spot in the rotation.

Kyle Kendrick, the other candidate for the final spot in the rotation, was not a significant part of the Phillies' roster last season, throwing just 26.1 innings in nine appearances. Things once looked quite bright for Kendrick. In his rookie season in 2007 he won 10 of his 20 starts and finished the year with a 3.87 ERA. He started 30 games in 2008, but posted a 5.49 ERA and thus was left off the team's playoff roster. The 25-year-old right-hander has shown the potential to return to his 2007 form so far this spring. Kendrick has given up just two runs on seven hits over 14 innings.

While the decision could go either way, years past have shown that these decisions are certainly not set in stone. In addition to Moyer being taken out of the rotation last season, former Phillie Chan Ho Park also was moved to the bullpen after seven starts.

Both pitchers both undoubtedly have the talent to round out a strong rotation if they can forget their recent struggles. Either way, the man selected for the final spot will have something to prove. One will possibly be putting the finishing touches on a memorable career, the other will be trying pull his out of the fire.