Marc Narducci: Meyer hopes to rebound with Phillies

All lefthander Dan Meyer was looking for was a chance, and the Phillies were more than willing to oblige.

Meyer, an Inquirer first-team all-South Jersey pitcher in 1999 from Kingsway, signed a minor-league contract with the Phillies for the 2011 season. A spot on the varsity will have to be earned during spring training, but Meyer is happy for the chance, looking to revive a career that has ridden its share of bumpy roads.

He went from being a hotshot prospect, drafted in 2002 by the Atlanta Braves as the 34th player taken overall in the country, to overcoming shoulder surgery, to finally securing a home in the major leagues, to again taking the buses in the minors.

People look only at the glamour of being a professional athlete, but, especially in baseball, few realize what it takes not only to make it but to enjoy sustained success.

"It is a great way to make a living, but it's not easy," Meyer said in a recent phone interview. "If you are not a solid veteran who has put in five to 10 years, teams move on.

"Especially as a reliever, if you have a bad year, it's a constant struggle."

Meyer knows firsthand after a 2010 season that was fraught with injury and disappointment.

Before detailing last year, it is important to note Meyer's spectacular 2009 season with the Florida Marlins, his first full season in the majors.

In 71 relief appearances, he went 3-2 with a 3.09 ERA. The lefthander had 56 strikeouts in 581/3 innings.

Meyer started slowly last season, spent two weeks in May on the disabled list with a calf strain, came back, and was hit hard before being optioned to the minor leagues. He returned for one game in July, pitched a scoreless inning, and was then sent to triple-A New Orleans, where he stayed the rest of the season.

Meyer was 0-3 with a 9.64 ERA in 91/3 innings with the Marlins and 1-2 with a 3.38 ERA and two saves in 32 appearances for New Orleans.

"It was like quicksand - the harder you try to get out of it, the harder it is," he said.

Meyer feels his injury contributed to his pitching woes, but Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. was more pointed in his assessment.

"I think it was more his command," Amaro said in a recent phone interview. "We are hoping he can get back to his '09 performance."

Amaro said the situation is simple. Meyer must prove himself to return to Philadelphia with the Phillies. That's not exactly giving away any trade secrets. At least there will be the chance to showcase his talent.

"We're not a team chock full of lefthanders," Amaro said. "Experience is key from the left side, and he is someone who gives us more depth and will compete for a job."

That is all Meyer is asking for. He said that six to eight teams made offers before he came to terms with the Phillies.

"I felt this was the best fit for me," said Meyer, who was 11-0 as a Kingsway senior in 1999. "I have a home in Florida, they have spring training in Florida, it's my hometown team, and it's a solid veteran group with a great opportunity to win."

Meyer, who will turn 30 in July, said his parents still lived in Gloucester County, and nothing would be better than to pitch in front of family on a regular basis.

"I'm a hometown guy, and the Phillies said I would be given every opportunity," Meyer said. "I'm excited."

The excitement will grow if Meyer can turn back the clock to 2009.