Lidge out 3-6 weeks; Contreras, Francisco updates
News blogs, sports blogs, entertainment blogs, and more from Philly.com, The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News.
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.
*
Also, the Phillies have removed Matt Rizzotti from the 40-man roster. He has been outrighted to the minors.
Download our NEW iPhone/Android app for easy access to all of our Phillies coverage, plus app-exclusive videos and analysis. Get it here.
Francisco is gonna see nothing but curveballs- Some people learn to hit the curve and move on. — Joe at the shore
- Big Ben Baby...he's primed....— Grazman
- Ben a big YES. Lidge and the rotor are gone.— Joe at the shore
- think Contreras is a mistake. I like him, but if they are seriously thinking about Madson as closer next year, this is the ideal time to prove to him, the team, and everyone else that he can (or can't do it). If we wait until the offseason to declare him the closer for next year and missed this chance for a test-drive, they are missing the best opportunity they'll get to be comfortable with Madson in that role. And if they don't offer him the chance and he (and Boras) still thinks he's a future closer, think he'll stay to be the set up guy?— rakno11
- I was surprised to see Utley on the field taking ground balls and not on the DL.— Joe at the shore
- I guess he don't need no stinkin' spring training.— Joe at the shore
- Utley's on the DL, Joe. They're looking at May or June for his return, earliest. — eman
- That must put Castillo out.— Joe at the shore
- Francisco is solid. He definitely deserves a shot at regular time after the spring he's had. But we'll need to check back in 6 weeks or so and see how he's carried that into the season. There is some defensive drop-off in RF as well in my opinion, but not enough to worry about. I like starting with Contreras as closer. Go to Madson later if necessary. As for the 7th, someone already said it: This rotation should pitch 7 innings or more quite a bit. If they don't, I can't believe we can't get something out of a combination like Herndon, Romero, Bastardo, and Baez. As much as they'd have to pitch you can use three guys in the 7th some nights. If they stink that bad, then call up Stutes and Mathieson first. There is some depth for the 7th and probably some of that goes into the 8th.— s
- Thanks for 2008 Brad ..... See you later— shawnmac
- Lidge is in trouble. I have "chronic posterior sub-luxation"which is a fancy term for a strained (or torn) rotator cuff. Did it years ago and it still hurts like hell. Can't begin to imagine a big-leaguer pitching with this. Problem is with rest it feels better, but as soon as you stress it out, it swells and causes the severe discomfort again. I think this could jeopardize his career.— JohnnySak
- One commenter said Francisco will get all curveballs. The who team will see nothing but breaking stuff all year long. There's gonna be a lot of .250 averages in the starting 8 this year. This offense scares nobody, Utley or no Utley.— Sewellmatt
- Remember Madsen is a free agent at the end of this season. If he were to succeed big time as a closer, he'll want HUGE money. Keep him as the 8th inning guy and he won't demand as much money. Think it's a bit of politics?— sonnybuoy01
- I agree with Charlie on Contreras but feel this means Madson is gone, gone, gone next year. He wants to close, there's bigger money there, and Boras is his agent. Madson won't forget this.— eman
