Lidge out 3-6 weeks; Contreras, Francisco updates
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Lidge out 3-6 weeks; Contreras, Francisco updates
Paul Hagen and DN staff
Charlie Manuel strongly hinted before tonight’s game that Ben Francisco will be the Phillies regular rightfielder for the foreseeable future and that Jose Contreras is likely to be the closer when the regular season opens.
Francisco isn’t a surprise, but that the manager is leaning toward the 39-year-old Contreras over Madson, who’s been groomed for the spot for several years now, was somewhat more unexpected.
The issue came up because titular closer Brad Lidge, who had an MRI, has been bothered by biceps tendinitis and discomfort behind his shoulder, will open the season on the disabled list (more below).
“Right now, with the way it looks, here lately we’ve been using Contreras,” Manuel said. “Of course, Madson is still there. At the same time, to start the season, it looks like it might be Contreras. I don’t know yet. But I’d say right now, if I had to pick somebody tonight, it would probably be Conteras.”
After rookie Dominic Brown fractured the hook of the hamate bone in his right wrist early in the Grapefruit League season, the assumption was that Francisco would be the starter barring a late trade. John Mayberry Jr., however, made a strong push and tied Ryan Howard for the team lead in Florida home runs with five.
“When we start the season, Francisco’s going to get a chance to play,” Manuel said firmly. “In our organization, people think he can hit. I think he can hit, too. He’s going to get a chance to play.
“I’ve heard people say he got to play in Cleveland. He didn’t get no 350, 450 at bats or something like that. He’s never done that. So this is a chance for him to get to play. Starting off, he’s going to get a good chance to play, what you call a bona fide chance.”
Going into play tonight Francisco is hitting .385 with 4 homers and 13 RBI this spring.
Lidge update: The MRI exam of closer Brad Lidge’s sore right shoulder earlier today showed a posterior rotator cuff sprain, according to general manager Ruben Amaro Jr.
“It’s an issue,” Amaro said. “Obviously losing your closer for a significant period of time is not something we were looking forward to. But we know there was something going on in there. On the brighter side of things, it’s not something that needs to be surgically repaired. So that’s a good sign, at least for now.”
Lidge will not throw for three to six weeks.
“Hopefully after another three weeks, if he’s feeling okay, he’ll start throwing and then we’ll progress him from there,” Amaro added. “We’re glad it’s not a labrum. That’s on the bright side of things. But it’s still significant.”
Manager Charlie Manuel had previously indicated that he was leaning toward using 39-year-old righthander Jose Contreras to close, at least to satrt the season, leaving Ryn Madson in the set-up role.
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Also, the Phillies have removed Matt Rizzotti from the 40-man roster. He has been outrighted to the minors.
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Comment removed.
Madson is obviously gone. Despite the fact that he is gone, how do you justify saying this about him...
“There’s no question that we think that Ryan is a great fit for us, but Ryan has not proven to us he can be a closer in the major leagues,” Phillies GM Ruben Amaro said. “Can that happen? That’s possible. Can we necessarily rely on him to be that guy? I don’t think so.”
“Ryan Madson is Ryan Madson,” pitching coach Rich Dubee said when prodded for his thoughts on Madson’s potential for success in the ninth inning this year. “What did he do, take a crash course in how to close or something?”
Is that having the back of your teammates? That was a pretty sharp knife. I know we all like honesty, but that is not necessary. Why not just say Contreras is pitching great right now, or you don't want to disturb Madson's routine, etc? Especially if Madson is as volatile as they say, how would a comment like that keep him focused on his job?— Butch- The Phillies are done fer LOL— Charidan
- The season is long. Madson is going to get some opportunities to close. The pen has changed a bit: Contreras, Bastardo, Baez. And there's some good young depth: Stutes, DeFratus, Mathieson. Now maybe none of these guys can replace a 2008 Lidge but it's a place to start. My personal opinion is Lidge is on the way out anyway. Start seeing what you have and work a trade if necessary after looking at all the existing options. Contreras and Madson both have good closer stuff. Contreras may be too old to trot out there too regularly though.— s
I'm ok with this although I may have tried it reversed first tho madsen has a rough track record closing. I guess we gotta trust them on this one and hope the old guy can hold up again- Butch - I agree ... those comments do no one any good. I hadn't seen them. I think they have to give Madson one more shot at closing at some point. If they've already decided to let him walk, I think that's a mistake. The guy has some great stuff. Maybe they're just trying to send a message to Boras but if you think Madson has a fragile psyche this is the wrong thing to do since you're going to need him this year.— s
- A lot of positions in the pen will work themselves out as the season moves forward; don't think Contreras can close every game especially if we have back, to back to back needs for a closer - which may be a very strong possibliy this year.— M60tanker
- I think Contrearas cando it as long as they don't overwork him. He is older than Lidge. The real question is who takes Contrearas" place? Who pitches the 7th inning?— lefty27
- They certainly can win without him. Better to get him out now then spend the next two months watching him blow games and claiming he feels fine.— SFPhillyphan
- Rizzotti off the roster. Thought it would be a pitcher. Ensures there will be at least one 40-man add -- Young, Orr, Castillo— ejc527
- How's this for an outside-the-box suggestion for the 7th inning? Kendrick. Small sample size, and they've usually come in mop-up/emergency situations, but his numbers are far better out of the bullpen (almost -.200 OPS out of the pen). Who else you want? Baez?— ejc527
- Alas, yes, we will muddle through without Ledge.— pajamas
- @ ejc517 - I want Halladay, Lee, Oswalt, Hamels and Blanton pitching the 7th...:)— Butch
- Stutes to close!— Mo Biggsley
- Did Lidge do anything during the off season to keep his arm in shape?
Can't understand how a pitcher comes to spring training and hurts his arm or shoulder pitching. Perhaps he needs to adopt Halladay's workout regiment— eyesell
