I sat and watched the Phils go down last night as Brad Lidge blew yet another save. Lidge has lost his confidence, you can see it.
I appreciate Charlie Manuel’s loyalty to him because he did have a major role in last year’s Wold Series Championship.
Still that was last year and this year is this year. He’s given him evey chance he could expect. I don’t think he can get the job done right now.
He was sweating like a pig out there on the mound. He can’t make the pitches when he needs them.
He’s got to start off getting ahead of hitters by throwing a strike on the first pitch, but not a fastball right down the middle of the plate.
I feel sorry for him because he seems to be searching for the magic that surrounded him a year ago and hecan’t find it.
The guys come out to the mound when he gets runners on and they know it’s just a matter of time.
How many times have we seen Phils players sitting in the dugout with that stunned look on their faces after Lidge has blown yet another save.
Ryan Madson would be the likely candidate to take over but he’s hasn’t been consistent when given the ball in the ninth inning. Last night I thought he was the victim of some weakly hit seeing-eye singles. but he surrendered a run which was part of the meltdown.
Brett Myers is a long shot. You surely don’t have enough to go on to make Myers the guy.
Manuel is going to have to follow his gut which he’s has success with in the past.
I don’t see the clear answer, do you.
