Brett Myers, Phillies to Part Ways

After eight seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies, 29-year-old pitcher Brett Myers will reportedly be playing for a new team in 2010. According to Jim Salisbury of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Myers has been told by Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr., that he will definitely not be a Phillie next season. The report also states that Myers wasn't given a specific reason that he won't return.

Myers has spent his entire professional career in the Philadelphia organization after being selected in the first round in the 1999 draft. He went 73-63 with a 4.40 ERA and added 21 saves during his time in Philly.

Myers' time with the Phillies was marked by vast peaks and valleys. At times he looked like an All-Star-caliber pitcher and at others he was flat-out awful. He made three Opening Day starts, but also went through several demotions to the minors and to the bullpen. There were also some off-field issues, including an alleged incident of battery against his wife.

Considering Myers was a first-round pick and has had eight years to fulfill his potential, it appears he's not too shocked they Phillies decided a change was in order.

"I was just like, 'OK, thanks for putting up with my [stuff],' " Myers said. "He thanked me and wished me and my family well. "I'll miss the guys on the team and the fans who have supported me. Hopefully I'll be playing against the Phillies and when I do, I want the roughest treatment the fans can give me -- when I'm pitching. I'm an opposing player -- you have to give it to me."

Awesome. Phillies fans don't really need to be cued up to take proper care of their opposition, but it's nice to see Myers goading them anyway. Hopefully he'll catch on with another team in the NL East and they'll have ample chance to fulfill his wishes. Something tells me his 4.40 career ERA after being a first-round pick will be enough for the Philly fans to oblige.

Speaking of which, there should be a pretty good market for Myers. It's entirely possible a change of scenery would do him some good, and everyone's seen his ability (when he's on). He's still under 30, so it's not like he's past his prime. It's good to see accountability for his "[stuff]," whatever that may be. Plus, he's willing to work from the bullpen, enter a rotation or fight for a rotation spot. The guess is he won't be without a team for long.