Myers has had his fair share of off the field problems. I have no problem with his dressing down of a smart ass reporter. The whole alleged wife beating thing is a little harder to get past. It has become more difficult these days to focus on player performance with “tabloid news” TV, print and websites.

On the field Myers has made rare sacrifices in today’s game of money and agents. Rewarded with a contract in 2006 with the expectation of being a front line starter, Myers accepted a move to the closers role in 2007 in order to fill a hole and to help the ballclub. He later moved back into the rotation after the Phillies settled on Brad Lidge as their closer.

In the Phillies strong second half playoff run Myers has been spectacular. In-fact, when comparing his numbers from August 1st to today vs the much more publicized CC Sabathia, Myers is very respectable.

CC Sabathia:

69.1 IP, 11 BB, 73 K, 1.82 ERA

Brett Myers:

68 IP, 11 BB, 65 K, 1.72 ERA

Off the field Brett may be a jerk. But on it he has been one of the better clutch pitchers of the 2008 season.