"An interesting subplot unfolded in the late innings of the Phillies' 5-4 loss to San Diego on Monday.

Actually there were a couple of them, and they both entered through the bullpen door.

One hundred and one games into the season, Brad Lidge finally pitched for the Phillies. The erstwhile closer threw 11 pitches in navigating a 1-2-3 seventh inning. If he continues that level of efficiency, the Phillies will have added a nice piece to their bullpen for the stretch drive and beyond.

As encouraging as Lidge's performance was, team officials are still considering beefing up the relief corps for this season – and next.

That's why the eighth inning was so interesting Monday.

Moments after Lidge's perfect seventh inning, San Diego right-hander Mike Adams entered the game through the same bullpen door and pitched a scoreless eighth inning for the Padres. Adams struck out Chase Utley and Ryan Howard – both looking and unhappy with umpire Rob Drake – then retired Raul Ibanez with the potential tying run at third in helping protect a one-run lead for the Padres.

Adams was an interesting side note because Phillies officials covet him and, according to sources, still haven't given up trying to acquire him before Sunday's non-waiver trade deadline. Even adding a healthy and effective Lidge to the late-innings team of Antonio Bastardo, Mike Stutes and Ryan Madson might not stop Phils officials from continuing their pursuit of Adams. Madson will be a free agent at season's end, and Adams, who is under control for 2012, could be a possible replacement at closer. In other words, he'd help now and in the future, and that's always been the Phillies' style when pondering and making deals.

Of course, the Phils are still looking for a right-handed hitter, as well, and there's a chance they could use their trade chips filling that need.

Whatever the case, Adams is still on the Phils' radar screen, and he was impressive on the Citizens Bank Park mound on Monday."