No longer a Phillie, Ken Giles envisions a World Series with Houston
"It's just a fun environment to be with this team," says Giles, who was dealt to the Astros 19 months ago..
The thought of the World Series was likely the furthest thing from Ken Giles' mind the last time he was at Citizens Bank Park. The pitcher spent the second half of the 2015 season as the closer for a team that finished with baseball's worst record. The Phillies traded him in the offseason to Houston and now — 19 months after that deal — the Astros are the American League's top team and are pursuing a World Series title.
"It's something I've been dreaming about for a long time," Giles said Tuesday night after closing out Houston's 5-0 win over the Phils. "Ever since I was little, I've always been pitching for the last out in the World Series. Hopefully I'll get that opportunity, and hopefully it's a strikeout. I don't know what I'm going to do after that, but I expect to get tackled by the catcher no matter what. I'll figure something out."
The trade that sent Giles to Houston was Matt Klentak's first major move after becoming general manager. It is still unclear how much the Phillies will benefit from it.
Vince Velasquez has been inconsistent but has shown flashes. Tom Eshelman had a great minor-league season but is on the disabled list. Mark Appel has a 5.03 ERA at triple A over the last two seasons and is on the disabled list. The Phillies opted for Appel instead of centerfielder Derek Fisher, who joined the Astros on Tuesday night, drove in two runs, and made two great catches.
The early winner of the trade is Giles, who otherwise would be spending his summer pitching for baseball's worst team. Now, he's staring at the playoffs.
"It's just a fun environment to be with this team," Giles said. "The Phillies, being in a rebuilding stage, I hope they can learn something from all the teams they play. They have a lot of great players. It's just a matter of time until they figure out who they are and what they're capable of doing."
Giles is 1-2 with a 3.19 ERA and 21 saves in 39 appearances this season. He has struck out 43 in 36 2/3 innings. He retired three of the four Phillies he faced Tuesday. He struck out Maikel Franco and Tommy Joseph. Cameron Rupp ripped a double off the wall, and Cameron Perkins grounded out. Giles played with all four during his time with the Phillies organization.
"I had a lot of adrenaline going. I was just really excited," Giles said. "Not a lot of guys come back to pitch where they started. This place will always have a special place in my heart. They've always been good to me, and I always gave a 100 percent to the fans out there. It was just exciting."