BradLidge blew his 10th save of the season Saturday night against the
Houston Astros. Should it ever have gotten to this point? Should
Lidge have been given the opportunity to blow 10 saves?
I understand
Charlie Manuel said Lidge was “his guy,” and he was gonna stay that
way. However, I think it’s time to change things, even the saves Lidge
has completed lately have been a bit suspect.
Charlie Manuel said Lidge was “his guy,” and he was gonna stay that
way. However, I think it’s time to change things, even the saves Lidge
has completed lately have been a bit suspect.
We
may have seen a preview of the Phillies new/old closer when Brett Myers
returned from injury Saturday and pitched a scoreless 8th inning. So
that begs the question is it time for Myers to get another chance at
closer?
may have seen a preview of the Phillies new/old closer when Brett Myers
returned from injury Saturday and pitched a scoreless 8th inning. So
that begs the question is it time for Myers to get another chance at
closer?
Well lets take a look at the Pro’s and Con’s of this possible move:
Pro’s :
Brett Myers isn’t Brad Lidge
Sometimes
all that’s needed to improve a team’s performance in certain situations
is a new guy running the show. Myers has proved in the past that he can
be thrown to the wolves and close in the big leagues.
all that’s needed to improve a team’s performance in certain situations
is a new guy running the show. Myers has proved in the past that he can
be thrown to the wolves and close in the big leagues.
Myers Arm is Fresh
Myers
is coming off an injury but not to his arm. He hasn’t pitched many
innings so far this season and looked strong in his rehab assignments
and looked to be fully healthy in his one inning of work Saturday
night.
is coming off an injury but not to his arm. He hasn’t pitched many
innings so far this season and looked strong in his rehab assignments
and looked to be fully healthy in his one inning of work Saturday
night.
Myers Has Done This Before
As we all know Brett Myers already proved his worth at the back of the pen in 2007. He
helped the Phils clinch their first playoff berth since 1993 with a save on the last day of the season.
helped the Phils clinch their first playoff berth since 1993 with a save on the last day of the season.
Con’s:
Brett Myers isn’t Brad Lidge
Yeah
I know this was a “pro” too, however it works both ways. Yes Myers has
experience but nearly as much as Lidge, and certainly not as much
success. Myers never had to produce a save in the playoffs, he never
got the opportunity. Lidge was perfect all of 2008 including the
playoffs and the World Series.
I know this was a “pro” too, however it works both ways. Yes Myers has
experience but nearly as much as Lidge, and certainly not as much
success. Myers never had to produce a save in the playoffs, he never
got the opportunity. Lidge was perfect all of 2008 including the
playoffs and the World Series.
Myers is More Then a Year Removed From Closer Role
Myers
hasn’t closed since the 2007 season, ever since he’s been told he was a
starter, again. Now can he be a closer, again? Making the transition
back to a closer will be a great test of Myers mentality on the field.
hasn’t closed since the 2007 season, ever since he’s been told he was a
starter, again. Now can he be a closer, again? Making the transition
back to a closer will be a great test of Myers mentality on the field.
Set Lidge Down Now, There’s No Turning Back
If
Charlie Manuel removes Lidge from the closer role that could be it for
Brad. Already having to pick himself up after being demoted then traded
by the Astros Lidge would have a tough time coming back. It’s not often
a guy gets as low as Lidge was in Houston then gets as high as he was
in Philly last year, these things don’t happen twice, especially to the
same guy.
Charlie Manuel removes Lidge from the closer role that could be it for
Brad. Already having to pick himself up after being demoted then traded
by the Astros Lidge would have a tough time coming back. It’s not often
a guy gets as low as Lidge was in Houston then gets as high as he was
in Philly last year, these things don’t happen twice, especially to the
same guy.
In the end it’s
going to be a tough decision for Charlie, but one that has to be made
quickly. Charlie either needs to stick with Lidge and let Lidge and
everyone else know that’s what he’s doing. Or make a change now before
Lidge costs the team more games. Lidge’s greatest enemy could be the
lack of confidence in him from his teammates. That could factor into
Charlie’s decision more then anything.
going to be a tough decision for Charlie, but one that has to be made
quickly. Charlie either needs to stick with Lidge and let Lidge and
everyone else know that’s what he’s doing. Or make a change now before
Lidge costs the team more games. Lidge’s greatest enemy could be the
lack of confidence in him from his teammates. That could factor into
Charlie’s decision more then anything.
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