Posted: Tuesday, September 8, 2009, 5:37 PM | 22 comments |
 

Going Out On A Lidge
options
 

There is no denying that sticking with Brad Lidge as the closer is not the popular thing for Charlie Manuel to do, and neither is it an absolutely sure path to where the team wants to get.

I made the case in a column today that it is still the right way to go, at least until a better option is identified and until Lidge has every single chance to right himself.

Not everyone agrees, obviously, and that point of view may prove correct in the end.  But the part of the argument that is dead wrong is that Manuel is sticking with Lidge out of some sort of sentimentality regarding what happened in 2008.

The notion that Manuel, who has been in this game his whole life, is a dewy-eyed softie is dead wrong. He's not sticking with Lidge out of a misplaced, or overactive, loyalty, but because he also thinks Lidge is the best logical option. When that changes, Charlie will make the change, too. But he's not going to give away a chance at a repeat title because he doesn't want to hurt Brad Lidge's feelings. That is ludicrous.

Having noted all that, however, this article, from the fertile minds at phillygameday.com is really funny.

 
Posted by Bob Ford @ 5:37 PM  Permalink | 22 comments
22
Comments   
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 6:34 PM, 09/08/2009
    Brad Lidge has been the worst pitcher in baseball this year by nearly every quantifiable method. If he is not sticking with him based on loyalty, but logic, then Charlie needs to take a logic course. Last year was great, but it's time to move one.
    — azazo26
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 6:58 PM, 09/08/2009
    As much as I hate it, I have to admit, Lidge is the best we got right now. He can only get better. Right?
    — sillybilly
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 9:55 PM, 09/08/2009
    Well I think "that" point may have just come for Charlie. Bases loaded, 1 out, bottom of the 9th, 2 run lead and Charlie pulls Lidge for Madson. This team may have just reached critical mass in its season.
    — BadgerVMD
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 9:59 PM, 09/08/2009
    Earth to Bob...earth to Bob...did you watch the game tonight? Get a clue!!! Any questions????? I don't think so.
    — ELM
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 10:00 PM, 09/08/2009
    we can't bench Lidge. he was perfect last year for the World Champs! If it aint broke, don't fix it!!
    — stigs
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 10:03 PM, 09/08/2009
    I have said it for more than six weeks: disable Lidge, as he is clearly hurting, his mechanics are completely screwed up, his confidence shot. Right now, we must get to the playoffs. By then, we have Myers and, if need be, Park or Pedro to close. Even Madson was lights out tonight.
    — chuckw
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 10:08 PM, 09/08/2009
    He HAS been given every single chance. Everyone has counted out Madson after only a couple of bad outings, but want to stick with Lidge after many, many bad outings. Why? And why can't Chan Ho Park close?
    — DS17
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 10:09 PM, 09/08/2009
    Lights Flickering Lidge is the only way for the Phils to go. Use him at every opportunity, he is the best. Chollie Manuel knows quality when he sees it. The Phils can ride the "Lidge to Nowhere", at least till the first playoff round is completed.
    — AstroFanLarry
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 10:10 PM, 09/08/2009
    Hopefully right after the Phillies replace Lidge the Inky will do the same w/ Ford.
    — F. Harry Stowe
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 10:17 PM, 09/08/2009
    Is the Lidge experiment over yet. This guy couldn't close a paper bag right now. The fool in the dugout needs to come up with something else. My ulcer would be better suited watching Moyer close a game then Lidge. How do you go from lights out Lidge to how do I blow this game. The best move this year was getting him out of there, Next time should get Cholly fired.
    — eaglesman1
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 10:22 PM, 09/08/2009
    Elm - I think you need a clue. Look at what time this was posted - 5:37 pm, hours before the game took place.
    — catnameddomino
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 11:09 PM, 09/08/2009
    you are a crack pot and a tonight actions with regard to Lidge at the national phillies game PROVES it. At least have the decency to say I WAS WRONG you clown. 12 hrs ago YOU in your column that Lidge the BEST option for the phillies.... only to see Lidge this Tuesday evening give to the WORST TEAM IN MLB... The Nationals.... a single a wild pitch a hit batter and 4 ball walk... GOOD CALL BOB FORD
    — wxdavid
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 11:26 PM, 09/08/2009
    Whatever happened to the knowledgeable sports beat writers? If the Inquirer wants to rise from the dead, it best not pawn off a high school intern as a legit sports writer.
    — Manor2009
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 12:06 AM, 09/09/2009
    I understand the premise that Lidge is the best option. What I don't understand is, given his outcomes and performance, why isn't Cholly LOOKING for another option? You won't know until you give someone else the ball. My opinion has always been, it can't get any worse, no matter who is out there. So start trying your options while you have a nice lead. Let's TRY to do something instead of just running the same people out there b/c that's their role.
    — scootch
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 12:10 AM, 09/09/2009
    DS17...did you see Chan Ho yesterday in Houston. 'nuff said. You can't just run anyone out there. It's Madson or Myers.
    — scootch


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About Bob Ford
Bob Ford has been writing about Philadelphia sports since 1981, and is still trying to figure it all out. A former beat writer covering the Phillies and the 76ers, Ford became a general sports columnist for the Inquirer in 2003, following in and occasionally falling in the deep footsteps of Bill Lyon, Frank Dolson and many distinguished others. He comes to the Philly.com blogosphere after award-winning success as designer/editor of the fabulous Pen & Pencil Club softball blog. Likes: Palestra, inside-the-park home runs, sunny days. Dislikes: phony people, cloudy days, rewrites.
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