Phillies closer Brad Lidge has had an up and down first half of the season.
After missing all of April and parts of May with an elbow problem, Lidge has struggled to find consistency. At times he’s looked like the dominating closer from 2008, flashing a terrific slider and good control of his fastball. But at other times, Lidge has looked shaky, usually getting beat on the hanging slider. While he’s been able to pitch out of some trouble, he’s also blown some save opportunities.
The result of his inconsistency has caused many to lose their faith in Lidge’s ability to close games, and understandably so considering that the Phillies are in third place and cannot afford to give games away. However, it’s too early to write Lidge off altogether.
One problem that could be affecting Lidge is not enough work. The Phillies have not had many save situations over the last month and a half. A bullpen pitcher is similar to a bench player in the sense that they need to play in order to stay sharp.
Lidge has only pitched five times since June 22nd. That’s an average of slightly over 1 appearance a week, not enough to stay sharp. When Lidge has been shaky, it’s been because of the hanging slider. That pitch in particular takes some time, and some sort of a groove to get working at top efficiency.
So why not give Lidge an inning here or there even if it isn’t a save situation?  The reason is the Phillies don’t want to risk putting too many innings on his arm, and risk further problems to the elbow that has already received two cortisone shots since spring training. What if the Phillies were to give Lidge a meaningless inning one night, and then found themselves in save situations the next two or three nights? Playing that kind of guessing game will only result in disaster.
It’s obvious the Phillies closing situation is far from ideal right now, but it isn’t hopeless. Brad Lidge is still the Phillies best option to be the closer. Even though he hasn’t been great, he doesn’t look like the disaster he was a year ago when the Phillies couldn’t afford to roll him out to the mound. He has his velocity, he appears to be healthy, and he has shown that killer slider. Be patient with Lidge, and wait until he begins to get a steady flow of save chances before writing him off. The most important goal is to have Lidge ready for the playoffs, if the Phillies get there.
Talk to most closers and especially sinker ball/slider type of pitchers (like LIdge is) and they all will tell you same thing…They need to be out there at least 3 times a week, the more they throw, the more sink their pitches have..Most pitchers will say they are more effective when they have a “tired” arm which is different and not to be confused with an “injured or hurting” arm..
Now with Madson back, maybe Coach Manuel will start the having the usual/consistent pattern to close out games…Ideally something like this
7th Inning Durbin, Contreras & Romero
8th Inning Madson (Romero if tough lefties are coming to bat)
9th Inning Lidge to close it out
I think Manuel will go with a rotation like this to start the 2nd half, but bottom line is that these
Pitchers need to perform once they are called up… I do think Lidge is as heathly as he’s been for the
last 18 months or so, if he can get into a rhythm and get his confidence back, then it could be a strong 2nd half for him, the bullpen and the entire team (which I think they all need to have)
Not to change the Subject..
Just read where the Dodglers are placing LHP Reliver George Sherrill on Waivers..
He has had a rough year but has been very effective in the past and maybe worth a shot to bring in for a workout.. He is very tough versus Lefties and had some very good seasons with Baltimore Orioles before heading out west to the Dodgers and could be had on the cheap if he clears waivers….