Get Well Soon, Brett Myers
Brad Lidge has done it again. This time against the AA team that is the Pittsburgh Pirates. Coming in with a one-run lead, he promptly gave up a single, then threw a wild pitch, allowing the runner to advance, followed by an RBI single and then a walk-off, two-run homer to Andrew McCutchen. It’s a shame that the headlines that will result from this fallout will be about how Lidge continues to provide some drama for an otherwise World Series contender, because, if that were not the case, up and coming star Andrew McCutchen would rightfully grab the spotlight for a second, seeing as he was the cause of the Phillies taking the lead in the ninth when he misjudged a Shane Victorino fly ball. Poetic justice prevailed at the hand of Lidge when he drilled one into the right centerfield seats. But back to the issue at hand…
Lidge has lost that loving feeling…
The Phillies need to find another 9th inning option…and fast. Enough of the pansy ass, afraid to hurt the feelings of last year’s hero crap. If they have any desire to actually repeat this year, it’s time to face the facts and make the necessary adjustments that leads to winning. Ryan Madson may not be a top notch closer, and Brett Myers may or may not come back strong, but the fact is that both of these guys are better options right now. Phillies fans appreciate and will never forget what an incredible season Lidge put together in 2008, but they are not willing to intentionally jeopardize the 2009 season for it. Lidge has always been susceptible to the demons within his fragile head (just ask Albert Pujols) and it’s no surprise that his lack of confidence out there is translating to a lesser performance.
Brett Myers may be the Phillies only hope for a repeat.
It will be interesting to see if tomorrow the Phillies finally announce a change in the bullpen hierarchy. The Phillies, aside from their current craptastic closer, boast some of the best offense, defense, and starting pitching in the entire league. Now we will see if their World Championship management can grow a pair of balls and take care of the one area that could prevent them from the elusive repeat.
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Reader Comments
SJ: Last night was the perfect opportunity to give Chan Ho Park or Ryan Madson the opportunity to close a game with Lidge pitching on 3 consecutive nights and a 7,8 game cushion over the Braves and Marlins respectively. They had nothing to lose and unfortunately they did anyway. This cushion gives them the chance to tinker with the other closer options. Even Lidge said histroically he does not pitch well on the fourth consecutive night.
What is interesting is that Myers has thrown just and inning in both rehab appearances; are they grooming him to close? We will see how long he goes in Reading tonight. If the Phillies stand pat they have absolutely no chance of repeating because the statistics that reflect Brad’s performance simply do not lie. All true baseball fans know that closers usally do not throw a switch and return to dominate form, it is something that happens over time. Again unfortunately that is somehthing we do not have. If Lidge is a true team guy and recognizes how his performance continues to hurt this club he will step aside and tell management to cultivate other options.
The question for the Phillies field and front office management is simple? How bad to you want to make a legitamate run at a repeat? The Cliff Lee deal tells me they want this as bad as the fans, now it is time to seriously address the closer issue or we will all be watching someonelses favorite team play in late October.
Tom –
I totally agree. There was no reason to march Lidge out there for the 4th consecutive day.
Many people are skeptical about Myers and his ability to return and be a factor. I guess I’m an optimist because I firmly believe that his being ahead of his rehab schedule is the perfect twist of fate that the Phillies needed. Not only does he have the mentality to close, but he would embrace the role as he did just a couple years ago. He also has the stuff to get the job done.
The sad part is that any option is a better option right now. And don’t get me wrong – Brad Lidge will forever be a hero in my book for the incredible season he had and his major contribution to a World Championship last season. But with that said, it doesn’t make him the “go-to guy” this season. The times they are a changin.
I thought a few weeks ago that Chan Ho Park might be a decent, although flawed, option, and he’s continued to pitch well (1.62 ERA over his last 27 appearances). Lidge is having maybe the worst season ever for a closer and he’s got to go.