The Phillies Need To Turn the Lights Out on Lidge

Phillies Closer Brad Lidge

September 26, 2009 – Allen Moll

What is Philadelphia Phillies manager, Charlie Manuel, going to do with the back end of his bullpen? As an avid Philadelphia sports fan watching virtually every game this season, I have witnessed the meltdown of the Phils closer, Brad Lidge, who went “perfect” in last year’s championship season in save opportunities (48 for 48). This season has been anything but perfect for the man who’s nickname is “Lights Out Lidge”, since he has blown double digit saves and has an ERA of almost 8. Consequently the Phils have to make some difficult decisions regarding who will close out games for them this October.

After blowing his 11th save and losing the game on Sept. 24th to the Florida Marlins, Charlie Manuel has finally hinted that he will have to look in another direction for the role as closer of the Phillies. It will be a hard choice since the team as a whole has blown 22 saves. Charlie at times has been loyal to a fault in dealing with Lidge, and in actuality, the move away from him was long overdue. For whatever the reason, he just doesn’t have good stuff this year.

Let’s take a look at the Phillies options as closer:

Ryan “Mad Dog” Madson – As the most obvious choice, Madson possesses two outstanding pitches to blow hitters away. His best pitch is the circle change-up which can be devastating when combined with his 97 mph fastball. Two problems exist, as a backup closer when Lidge was injured, Madson had blown 6 saves in 14 chances and he is currently perfect as an 8th inning set up man. I doubt that he has the aggressive mind-set needed to challenge hitters every day as a closer. Season Stats – 5-5, 3.33 ERA, 73 Innings, 8 Saves, 6 Blown Saves, 76 appearances

Brett Myers – Myers was forced into closer duties for the club during the ’07 season, converting 21 of 24 save opportunities for the ineffective Tom Gordon and Antonio Alfonseca. He has one of the best knee buckling curveballs in the National League to go along with an above average fastball (92mph) and appears to have the right mentality to close games. Myers downfall is that he has problems controlling his emotions and is coming off of injuries for the 2nd time this season. Season Stats – 4-3, 4.74 ERA, 68.1 Innings, 0 Saves, 0 BS, 15 Appearances

Chad Durbin – Whithout any really outstanding strikeout pitches but having good control, Durbin has been a 7th-8th inning guy throughout his career. That role fits him perfectly on this team since he also lacks the aggressive mind-set to close. Season Stats – 1-2, 4.71 ERA, 65.0 Innings, 2 Saves, 1 Blown Save, 55 Appearances

J.A. Happ – Although he has proved that he could be a mainstay in the Phils starting rotation for years to come, Happ has pinpoint control and a sneaky fastball and change which is almost as good as Hamels. When the playoffs begin, Happ will probably be forced into the pen anyways, in favor of Hamels, Lee, and Blanton as their 3 man rotation. The Phils also are devoid of left handed relief pitching with injuries to J.C. Romero (forearm) and Scott Ayre (elbow). It might be the first time that a Rookie of the Year (Happ is the front-runner) becomes a closer for the postseason. Season Stats – 11-4, 2.79 ERA, 158.1 Innings, 33 Appearances(21 starts)

Pedro Martinez – The self proclaimed “Old Goat” has been spectacular in his return after a one year layoff. Although his fastball has dipped from his early years from 98 to 92 mph, he has proven to still be a strikeout pitcher with outstanding movement on his breaking pitches. As far as having the demeanor to close, Pedro is one of the smartest and most competitive players to ever play the game. He has fresh legs since he has only made 8 starts but has a minor neck injury, forcing him to miss his most recent start. Season Stats – 5-1, 3.32 ERA, 40.2 Innings, 8 Appearances

Tyler Walker – Even though he spent most of his season in AAA Lehigh Valley, Walker does have major league closing experience. He has saved 34 games in his career and was the SF Giants closer in ’05, where he saved 23 games in 28 chances and is a veteran of 8 MLB seasons. His downside is that herelies on location and change of speed and doesn’t possess an out pitch to get out of a jam. Season Stats – 2-0, 2.23ERA, 32.1 Innings, 0 Saves, 0 Blown Saves, 28 Appearances

Other relievers with career saves but aren’t really an option include Scott Ayre (injured), Clay Condrey, J.C. Romero (injured), Sergio Escalona (from AA), Chan Ho Park (injured), and Jack Taschner (0-1 in saves).

In my opinion, Brett Myers, if healthy, is the team’s best option since he has done the job previously and has said that he actually prefers to close over starting. If he is not healthy enough, Pedro may be the next best option since just like Happ he will probably be forced to the bullpen during the postseason. Martinez has proven his worth as a possible HOF pitcher as a starter in the league. Why not give him a shot like Dennis Eckersley and John Smoltz have done before him? If all else fails Charlie could decide to utilize a closer by committee method by using different pitchers every night based on numbers.

With only a week left before the regular season ends, I hope Charlie realizes that “Lights Out Lidge” is no longer an option for this team. He must make a quick decision since every team which has ever advanced through the playoffs and challenged for a World Championship has had a definitive closing option.

Allen Moll is an avid NBA and College Basketball fan who watches and studies games religiously and coaches youth basketball in his native Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Allen is a regular columnist for our sister site, The Hoop Doctors, and also contributes to Bleacherreport.com, UpperDeckblog.com, and his own site, Hoops Haven.