Did Davey Johnson Disrespect Phillies Left-Handed Hitters?

How the times have changed.  Not long ago, teams feared the back-to-back left-handed batters of Chase Utley and Ryan Howard.  Yet, just a few days ago, Washington Nationals’ manager Davey Johnson uttered this quote when asked about having only one left-hander, Zach Duke, in his bullpen:

“I don’t have room for another lefty reliever.”

Don’t have room? He’s not afraid of late season situations against the Phillies left-handed hitters? Nope.  He’s confident going into the season with one lefty.  I initially took this as a a sign of disrespect toward the current abilities of Howard and Utley.

Is Duke that lights-out?

Utley and Howard vs. Zach Duke:

What’s Johnson smoking? Howard and Utley more than hold their own against Duke.  So, as a Phillies fan, I’m fine with one lefty in the Nats’ bullpen, unless their right-handers are shut-down.

How about Howard and Utley against the Nats’ newest acquisition, Rafael Soriano?

Those numbers also look good for Phillies fans.

For comparison purposes, here is how Utley and Howard have performed against the rest of the Nats’ expected bullpen:

Utley and Howard vs. Tyler Clippard:

Utley and Howard vs Drew Storen:

Utley and Howard vs Craig Stammen:

Utley and Howard vs Ryan Mattheus:

Perhaps that quote wasn’t a shot at the Phillies. Maybe Johnson plans on using Clippard and Mattheus against Howard and Utley.  The numbers are definitely in his favor.

As a Phillies fan, I’m more happy to have Howard and Utley face tough right-handers, rather than left-handers.  I’m starting to think that the one area where the Phillies will have an advantage against the Nationals in 2013 might be against their bullpen. It’s nothing like the Braves, which decimates Howard and Utley.

Bring it on!