The Terrific Ken Giles

            I have to admit, when I first saw Ken Giles and first heard him discuss his 100 MPH fastball I thought to myself; wow this guy is cocky and needs a reality check.  I think that reality check came during his first game when he allowed a homerun, however his demeanor did not change from this. Ken Giles has gone out in 18.1 innings and has a .98 ERA. Giles has dominated almost every batter that he has faced. The Phillies may have finally scouted a player correctly, they may have finally gotten one right out of the hundreds they have got wrong. Ken Giles could be a piece with the Phillies for a long time. I have to admit since watching him that I have become less of a skeptic and more of a supporter of his ability.

           When first watching Giles one might think that he is just another live arm that will only last as long as his elbow and shoulder don't give in. However, he is much more then that. Ken Giles brings an attitude that is unmatched to the pitching mound. When he steps onto the rubber he truly thinks he is better then any batter he is facing, and Giles has proven it time and time again. Giles has not only a good strong fastball at 100 MPH, but he also has a very nice breaking ball as well. Giles seems to be keeping hitters very off balance and very unsure of themselves when they are at the plate. Ken has only allowed two runs to score in his 18+ innings of work as well as having 26 strikeouts. When Giles is on there may not be anyone better in the MLB at his job. Though he is only 23 I look at this kid and see so much potential and upside. If Giles is able to stay healthy and keep it together he may have a real future with this Phillies team.

            The only thing I hope with Ken Giles is that the Phillies don't try to do something stupid with him, like the Rangers did to Neftali Feliz (the fireball closer) who they tried turning him into a starter. This would be a big mistake if the Phillies were to try this. Giles has proven himself comfortable in the bullpen at every level. He has proven he has what it takes to save ball games and has the mind of a closer and the fireball pitching that goes along with it. With all the upside and potential that Ken Giles has, my hope is that the Phillies got this one right, and that they don't try to do something that they will regret.
-Brett