A Ninth Inning Nightmare
August 12th, 2009 by Matt
In late May, I wrote a post lobbying for a little peace, love and understanding as it related to the calls for Brad Lidge’s head as the Phillies’ closer was struggling through the first 2 months of the season:
Brad Lidge is going to be fine, folks. And he isn’t going anywhere, anyway. Not just because he has a $37 million contract. Had this slump occurred this time last year, I believe that Charlie would still be sticking with him.
Because that’s what you do for one of your studs who is going through a bad spell. You stick with him. You show him that you have faith in his ability to turn it around. You focus on bright spots like his velocity and you build on the positives.
Since that post, Lidge has been on the DL, pitched ok at times, but generally speaking has been a disappointment in the ninth in both save and non-save situations.
Sunday was a bottoming out as Lidge gave up 3 runs in mop up duty against the Florida Marlins. Credit Charlie Manuel for taking those opportunities to get Lidge some work, especially since the Phillies just don’t give a lot of opportunities for save situations. In a game with almost zero pressure, Lidge couldn’t get the job done.
Last night, Lidge blew his 7th save of the year, only to be bailed out by a 12th inning home run from new Phillie Ben Francisco.
We are steamrolling toward the post-season, and way beyond the point of giving Brad Lidge an opportunity to work through his woes.
The time is now to act to devise a plan for the 9th inning in September and October. A Phils’ World Series repeat may count on it.
But what to do? Closer by committee? Chan Ho Park? Hope that Brett Myers can get back in time to give it a shot?
If JC Romero were healthy, I wouldn’t be opposed to even some sort of lefty/right platoon of Romero and Park, although that would weaken middle innings long relief situations unless Clay Condrey can get healthy soon.
Or should Ryan Madson take over despite his struggles in the role during Lidge’s DL stint earlier this year?
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I can’t remember the last time I felt good when Lidge came into a game. With any luck Myers will come back and be a presence in the bullpen. Chan Ho looked pretty bad early on in his starting role, but I have been very impressed with him out of the bullpen since then, often eating up multiple innings. On a similar note, I have had growing concerns about Chad Durbin for some time as well as Lidge.
after what brad lidge did last year, i really cant believe the whinning im hearing.his stuff is still there, the hitters are being alot more patient and he is getting squeezed by the umps. lidge is our meal ticket yee of little faith.
aschmidt – did you see today’s game? How long do you propose Manuel keep running him out there in the 9th? He is clearly not in the right mindset to be closing right now. He is incapable of a 1-2-3 inning.
yes i did watch last nights game, utley should have made a routine play, do you remember myers imploding on the mound ? i believe everything will fall in place for lidge and i think cholly believes the same as i do. i am more worried about the lack of clutch hitting with risp. that game should not have been close.
Again Lidge came in and failed miserably. 6 pitches, 3 runs and a 6-4 loss to the Pirates. I’m not a Lidge-basher. He’s been frustrating this year. Charlie’s given him a LOT of freedom to work it out. But, a new solution needs to be put in place. Without a change, the results are certain: blown saves in the playoffs. Someone needs to acclimate themselves to their new role as closer well before the playoffs.
Mgibb – I agree. Charlie has been patient enough and he needs to put Lidge on as short a leash as possible. Madson or Myers needs to be closing in October.