Roy Halladay says that doctors told him he has no structural damage in his throwing-arm shoulder blade.

That leaves the alternative explanation for his diminished velocity and the spasms that caused him to pitch uncomfortably and ineffectively Saturday at Citizens Bank Park.

He's 35.

And there is no surgery for that.

Halladay is a pro and insists he will find new ways to prepare his body to pitch at an All-Star level. Believe that he will try.

The Phillies --- if not this year, then definitely next --- cannot afford their $20 million pitcher to fail.


Check out my column in the Daily Times Sunday and, as always, on delcotimes.com