What does this mean for Floyd?

Despite being smacked around like a pinata at a kids' party, the Phillies plan on sending rookie Scott Mathieson back to the mound for his next start in Chicago. Forget about Mathieson's 1-4 record with a 7.23 ERA, and forget about minor leaguers Gavin Floyd (7-3, 4.15 ERA), Eude Brito (9-8, 3.31) or Brian Mazone (11-3, 2.22) as possible replacements -- the kid is going back out there.

"(Mathieson) is young and he's definitely going to be a part of our future," Charlie Manuel told the writers before Friday's game. "He's got the stuff to be a big-league pitcher. That's how [Robinson] Tejeda pitched last year - all stuff and guts."

But what if he keeps getting his guts... well, you know?

What happens if Mathieson takes another tough loss is anyone's guess, however, the interesting part is the Phillies' brass really doesn't look at Gavin Floyd as a viable option.

Yeah, that's right, the fourth overall selection in the draft is not an option.

If I were Manuel or Pat Gillick, and I didn't want Floyd any more, I'd send him out there every five days -- he could pitch reasonably well and help the team win a game and he could improve his value for a potential trade.

Of course, that's only the case if you want to get rid of the guy.

Meanwhile, Tom Gordon is going to take the weekend off to rest his shoulder. It seems as if the closer's "injury" is just a flare up from overuse and will improve with some rest.