Lidge will stay in Fla. when team goes north
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Lidge will stay in Fla. when team goes north
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- After pitching an inning in a single-A minor-league game, Brad Lidge walked to an adjacent field at the Carpenter Complex and began long tossing. He said he threw about 30 pitches "as far as I could."
It's a good sign, Lidge said, that his arm strength is returning.
But when the Phillies break camp and head north on Thursday, Lidge will be staying in Florida.
"I'm sure I will," the Phillies closer said. "It seems very likely."
Lidge said he hasn't been told that he is going to the disabled list to begin the season, but that appears to be a mere formality at this point. Earlier in the week, pitching coach Rich Dubee said Lidge probably won't pitch in a Grapefruit League game before the Phillies break camp.
Right now, the Phillies want him to pitch in as many games as he can. Lidge is throwing every other day in minor-league games. He allowed one run after a leadoff walk against Toronto's single-A team on Saturday morning. He struck out two batters, one on a slider.
"My last outing a couple days ago, my arm got tired very fast in the game," Lidge said. "Today, it stayed strong through the inning. That means it's going to start getting where we need to get. There is still a little ways to go."
Lidge said he doesn't necessarily need to pitch a rehab game at a higher level before returning to the Phillies.
"In '08, I never did that," Lidge said. "I threw down here and then they called me up. It's not a matter so much of who I'm facing as it is what's coming out of my arm. We'll know when I'm ready whether I'm in the Florida State League or Reading or Lehigh."
Sounds like '08— beefbr- Can someone please explain to me how a player can get tired when he only pitches 1 inning and doesn't have to bat or run the bases on offense?— Nothing but the truth
- No prob Brad, take your time, heal up right. They got your back.
Comment removed.- Just make sure you are healthy when you come back Brad. There is an article at mlbtraderumors.com "Do the Yankees have a leg up in recruiting Werth?" this will make you hate the Yanks more.— EarlKeese
- NON-FACTORS for the 2010 season----Moyer(opposing batting practice will start when season starts for real)----The left fielder with the chaw in his mouth(had his l5 minutes of fame in lst half last year)---Ramero(no ""supplements"" this year----Lidge(all winter to get ready for season and didn't) NON FACTORS in 2010 !!— jwatson
- smart move. Season's a marathon, not a sprint.— SKYNYRD HEAD
- Too early to count Lidge out, although for once we would love to know how he "really" feels. He is the key to this season; teams without closers don't make the playoffs or, if they do, rarely get to the World Series. I don't like Madson as a closer; my guess is Baez will end up closing until Lidge returns.— chuckw
- See you in July Heath Bell. Good thing we have those extra prosepcts to deal for a closer so the best team in Phils history is not de-railed by the bullpen..— kevin l
- Nothing but the truth.........It was his arm that got tired and I would suspect offseason surgery on the elbow may have something to do with it.— RichG
Yikes. I'm keeping my fingers crossed...Ya never know the extent of an athlete's injury. I'll just take what Brad and the Phils are saying at face value, and will look forward to Lidge's return in late April or early May...All of Philly is pulling for ya Lidge.- The fact that he is pitching fairly effectively AT ALL is a very good sign. Once he has regained the necessary strength, he will be a huge asset to an already championship-type team. Get well Brad.(And PLEASE do NOT come back til you are READY!!!)— TBear
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A concern for sure - but the phils have more viable options in Lidge blows up this year. Madson has some experience under his belt, and if he falters as well, Contrares and Herndon could be alternatives to close.— CosmoK- Comment removed.
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- This shows how very very lucky the Phillies were in 2008. Lidge hasn't been the same since and wasn't too great before the Phillies got him. This news is nothing new but I'd like to put a gag order on Lidge. Stop telling us how great you feel. Just bring it when called upon.— Phillies2008WSChamps
- No. I'm more concerned with Cole, as usual. Should Kendrick or Moyer be the fifth starter? I am starting to believe Hamels' name, with his 5.57era this spring, should come into this debate.— SFPhillyphan
- i think we need someone else just in case, i worry about are bullpen? it don't look strong— sch723
- what loser laughs at their own one liners??— spittooncj
He looks frail and weak.— pedge
Concerned about Lidge's health? Not really. He stunk yesterday and he'll stink tomorrow. I'm more concerned about the Phillies' health while they continue to count on this loser. They need to find a new closer.- Lidge always has a bunch of excuses. He's done. I can't believe they gave this guy that huge contract with his up and down history. They better hope Madson or Baez can close.— scars73
- Really they do not need Lidge until mid-may. Contraras and Baez are not the solutions, they are problems. Fidel's Boys are not consistent to pitch daily.— jpelle36
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