PITTSBURGH - In all likelihood, those who follow the Phillies will not have a clear idea of the source of Brad Lidge's current struggles until sometime next season, when the 32-year-old closer is in the second year of the 3-year, $37.5 million contract extension he signed midway through last season. In the meantime, the questions linger. Are his nine blown saves, the most recent of which came Tuesday in a 6-4 loss to the Pirates, and league-worst 7.33 ERA a mechanical issue? Are they a product of lack of confidence, the latest dip in what has been a roller coaster 7-year career? Or has Lidge's body forsaken him in ways he might not completely understand until he has the benefit of offseason rest?
The last question is one worth examining. Flash back to spring training, when Lidge and lefthander Cole Hamels both progressed slower than other pitchers in camp due to what the Phillies termed lingering tightness in their throwing arms.
Is it just a coincidence that the two postseason stars, both of whom were hindered in spring training, are enduring the roughest seasons of their careers?
"There has been a lot of guys who were very successful and had a big season and went to the World Series and then the next season came back and couldn't repeat their performances," manager Charlie Manuel said. "I think that happens a lot."
In late April, news broke that Lidge was struggling with inflammation in his right knee - the same one he had surgically repaired in 2008. In June, he took 20 days off, including a stint on the disabled list, to rest the knee.
Is it just a coincidence it happened in the same season when Lidge has battled inconsistency with his once-dominant fastball and slider?
"I don't know - I'm not inside his body," pitching coach Rich Dubee said. "Doctorwise, we've had him checked out. I don't know that there's not more than we think there is or whatnot. But he keeps telling me he needs more work. The more he throws, the sharper he feels."
One thing is clear, at least judging by statistics: Lidge has peformed far worse when pitching on back-to-back days than he has with rest. Before his trip to the disabled list in June, Lidge posted a 6.32 ERA and allowed 1.98 walks and hits per inning pitched when throwing on consecutive days. When throwing with at least 1 day of rest, he posted a 4.38 ERA and allowed 1.22 walks and hits per inning.
Since his trip to the disabled list, he has posted a 10.13 ERA and allowed 2.00 walks/hits per inning when pitching on back-to-back days. With at least 1 day of rest, those figures are 7.71 and 1.39.
Eliminate two mopup outings in which the Phillies were trailing in the ninth inning - even last season, when he went 41-for-41 in save opportunities with a 1.10 ERA, Lidge posted a 4.83 ERA in what statisticians refer to as "low-leverage situations" - and the contrast in numbers is even greater: a 7.64 ERA and 1.64 walks/hits per inning compared with a 2.38 ERA and 1.06 walks/hits per inning.
When asked about the significance of those figures, Dubee shrugged.
"It's hard not to use your closer back-to-back days," Dubee said. "Unless you are going to close by committee, and we haven't chosen to do that."
Which brings us back to the central question: Will Lidge remain the closer for the rest of the season? The Phillies have given no indication he won't.
Yesterday, both Dubee and Manuel said they were sticking with Lidge. And general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. told FoxSports.com - emphatically, the report said - that Lidge is still the closer.
For now, the Phillies do not have a pressing need to announce a change. After allowing three runs on Tuesday, including a game-winning two-run homer to Andrew McCutchen, Lidge said he did not feel like he had quality stuff because he was pitching for a fourth straight day. He was unavailable to pitch last night, when Ryan Madson blew the save, and could get another break tonight. With a seven-game lead, a revamped rotation, and reinforcements like starter/closer Brett Myers and lefthanded setup man J.C. Romero due to arrive in September, the Phillies can afford to be patient.
For now.
Phillers
Greg Dobbs, placed on the disabled list on Aug. 23, 2 days after leaving a game against the Mets, has been diagnosed with a minor calf strain and is beginning a rehab program in Clearwater, Fla. He is eligible to return Sept. 6 . . . Lefthanded pitcher Antonio Bastardo (shoulder) is scheduled to throw two innings in a Gulf Coast League game today . . . Righthander Clay Condrey (oblique) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session today . . . Lefthander J.C. Romero (forearm) long-tossed yesterday but is not expected to throw a bullpen session today.
For more Phillies coverage and opinion, read David Murphy's blog, High Cheese, at http://go.philly.com/highcheese.
