CLEARWATER, Fla. – The Phillies have depth issues with their starting pitching, but Roy Halladay is not the solution. He is not sneaking off and secretly throwing bullpen sessions, preparing to give it one more try.
He is done.
“Absolutely,” he said Wednesday. “For me it was a long decision. It wasn’t something that happened overnight. It was the right decision for me. It was the only option and I still feel good about it.”
Plagued by injuries the last two seasons, Halladay, 36, retired in December after a marvelous 16-year career. The right-hander won 203 games, two Cy Young Awards, and pitched a perfect game and a playoff no-hitter.
The only thing missing was a World Series title, but Halladay remains pleased with his career knowing he left everything he had on the field.
“When you’re trying to compete and you’re not able to do the things you’ve always done because of [physical] discomfort, it takes the fun out of it,” Halladay said. “I was ready for this part of my life.”
Halladay is still leaving his mark on the field as a guest instructor in Phillies camp. He may look to get into coaching full-time when his two sons are grown -- he’s coaching both of them in their youth leagues -- but for now a few weeks with the Phillies is fun.
“I’m enjoying doing this part of it,” he said. “There are a lot more good arms here than I expected. It’s been a good change. I’m not evaluating or telling [team officials] who should make the team. I’m just trying to help the young guys.”
Halladay spent time with Jesse Biddle on Tuesday. On Wednesday he spoke with Phillippe Aumont.
Halladay was a master of preparation, both physical and mental. Not surprisingly, he preaches the power of confidence.
“These guys all have off-the-charts ability,” he said. “Sometimes it’s just a matter of brainwashing yourself into believing you can be successful. Talk yourself into it over and over and all of a sudden you become it.”
Halladay is expected to be in camp for another week or so. Brad Lidge will make a guest instructor appearance later in camp.
“It’s definitely something I want to keep doing,” Halladay said.