NEW YORK - While some of the Phillies in the bullpen were ready to turn to next year after the disappointing, 7-3 loss to the Yankees in Game 6, others like Brett Myers and Scott Eyre were left to answer questions about whether there is going to be a next year for them with the Phillies.
Eyre, 37, briefly mentioned in midseason that he might retire after this season. Myers, 29, is a free agent for the first time after eight seasons in Phillies pinstripes.
"I'm still a part of this team," Myers said. "I'm still a part of this team until whatever happens in the offseason. I have a lot of friends here; I have a lot of people that I grew up with, basically.
"It's going to be a tough decision, regardless of what I have to do. Any team that has the opportunity to be in the World Series every year is tough not to consider any situation that comes your way."
Myers made it clear that he would like to be back in Philadelphia next season. But would the Phillies want him back? Because of hip surgery, Myers pitched in only 20 games this year, including the postseason. When he was in the rotation, Myers gave up 75 hits in 73 1/3 innings and had a 4.84 ERA.
It is clear that Myers, wherever he lands, will command much less on the open market than the $12.08 million he earned this season.
"You've got to explore options and what's best for my family," Myers said. "Obviously, this would be a great fit for me because I've been here and I know the territory.
"Going to a new place would be a little different, but it's not out of the question. I definitely would like to be back here. As much as I've been through with this team - the ups and downs that I've had - the front office has stood by me, and the fans have stood by me. This is definitely a place that I'd like to be, but you've got to do what's right for your family."
Myers said that in the offseason, he would consider both bullpen and starting roles.
"It doesn't matter to me," Myers said. "I can do both. I prefer both, actually. I was sitting there in the postseason in the bullpen thinking, 'Man, I had so much more fun starting last year,' because I was a factor in the season. In the bullpen, it's a little different. We'll see what happens. Whatever situation comes my way, I'm definitely going to explore everything.
"Hopefully, management decides quickly whether they need me or don't need me."
