Brad Lidge News: Pro Sports Daily

Phils' Lidge works on holding runners on first

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March 17

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Even before Johnny Damon helped point the 2009 World Series irrevocably toward a Yankees victory with his "Did that really just happen?" steal of two bases on one pitch in Game 4, Brad Lidge recognized the flaw in his own game. An inability to hold runners on base was one of many side effects caused by knee pain last season, and Damon's memorable heists reinforced the need to address it. "That was the icing on the cake," said Lidge, who had allowed 11 of the 12 attempted base-stealers to succeed last year before that play. "The cake had been built all year long. It was a big cake. That was just putting the sprinkles on it. That slapped me in the face and made us very aware of what we had ..."

Manuel says Madson would be next in line

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March 14

Camden Courier-Post

"Brad Lidge threw about 20 pitches to outfielder Chris Duffy in another batting practice session Saturday, and felt so positive about his progress that he divulged the Phillies' plan to have him pitch in a minor-league game on Monday. Not so fast. At the request of pitching coach Rich Dubee, Lidge will throw batting practice again Monday before graduating to a game situation. And although Dubee said the closer has been "progressing nicely" from right elbow surgery in November and right knee surgery in January, his odds of being ready by opening day decrease with each passing day. So if the Phillies have a late-inning lead April 5 in Washington, and if Lidge begins the season on the disabled ..."

Lidge's workout free of setbacks

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March 11

Camden Courier-Post

"Brad Lidge's Wednesday morning went something like this: Stretch his right arm. Throw 21 pitches in live batting practice. Participate in pitchers' fielding practice. Cool down. "Full day," Lidge said with a laugh. "It actually felt like I was in spring training." But seriously, it was a meaningful day for the Phillies' closer, who took a significant step toward pitching in a game. Barring a setback, that could happen as soon as Monday, Lidge said, although it isn't clear if he will make his spring debut in a Grapefruit League game or in the less intense environment of a B-game or minor-league game. For the first time this spring, Lidge tested his surgically repaired elbow and knee by ..."

Phils' Romero makes progress

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March 1

Camden Courier-Post

"J.C. Romero had thrown his 20th fastball, reaching his limit for his first bullpen session of spring training, but he wasn't satisfied. "You know me," he said Sunday. "I've always got to throw a little more." Thus, Romero uncorked three more fastballs under the supervision of pitching coach Rich Dubee. A few hours later, after finishing his workout, he declared the day a success and said he still hopes to be ready for the Phillies' season-opener April 5 at Washington. It remains far too early, though, to know if that's a realistic goal. Romero, recovering from elbow surgery in October, is slated to throw his next bullpen session Wednesday. He likely won't begin tossing breaking pitches ..."

Rehabs progressing for Phils' Lidge, Romero

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March 1

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Brad Lidge and J.C. Romero are making progress in their rehabilitation from off-season surgery. Both Phillies relievers said they hope to be ready for opening day. But both acknowledged it's a slow process. "I'm just trying to be ready for when the season starts," Romero said. "That's my time line. But I have to be realistic. I know I'm a little behind." Yesterday, Romero threw off a mound for the first time this spring. He threw 23 fastballs and said he felt comfortable in his rehab from flexor tendon surgery on his left arm. Lidge, who is slightly ahead of Romero in his recovery, threw 35 pitches off the mound in his third bullpen session. He mixed in sliders for the first time, throwing ..."

Lidge throws 30 fastballs off mound

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February 26

Philadelphia Daily News

"Closer Brad Lidge threw 30 pitches yesterday, his second session off a mound of the spring. But the Phillies remain determined to ease the righthander back into action after elbow surgery in mid-November and knee surgery in mid-January. Lidge threw all fastballs, but could begin throwing his slider off flat ground in the coming days. After the workout, he said he was not sure when he might appear in a Grapefruit League game for the first time, although he continues to estimate that he is 1 to 2 weeks behind schedule. The Phillies do not have to look too far back to see the benefit of a conservative spring-training program for Lidge. When he was recovering from knee surgery in 2008, Lidge ..."

Phils limit Lidge to a few fastballs

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February 23

Camden Courier-Post

"After unleashing his 20th consecutive fastball Monday, Phillies closer Brad Lidge turned to pitching coach Rich Dubee and asked if he could throw a few sliders. "No," Dubee said. "It's your first time on the mound." Six weeks removed from arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, Lidge is ahead of his -- and the Phillies' -- schedule. And while it's conceivable that Lidge might be ready for the April 5 season opener in Washington, the Phillies will continue to exhibit prudence with their closer. In his first spring-training bullpen session, Lidge tossed 20 pitches and did not report any pain in his knee or surgically repaired right elbow. Dubee said Lidge also displayed his usual mechanics ..."

Lidge gets back on the mound

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February 23

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Brad Lidge wanted to throw some sliders in his 20-pitch bullpen session yesterday, the first time he had thrown off a mound since the 2009 season ended. After two off-season operations for Lidge, pitching coach Rich Dubee isn't about to take chances. He told Lidge to wait on the slider. "He knows his body better than we know his body," Dubee said. "But at the same time we have to make sure he isn't trying to skip steps." Yesterday was one of those steps with an eye toward having Lidge ready by opening day. He deemed his first test "very successful." When he reported to camp, Lidge said he was about two weeks behind schedule. Since then, he has reduced that deficit. But there is no rush. ..."

Phillies closer Lidge throws without pain

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February 23

Philadelphia Daily News

"Brad Lidge wanted to let a few sliders fly. Rich Dubee wasn't having it. Ultimately, caution won out, and Lidge threw a bullpen session of 20 fastballs in front of a gaggle of onlookers who included his pitching coach and general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. The session, Lidge's first since offseason elbow and knee surgery, was labeled a success by all involved. He experienced no pain in his elbow, where doctors repaired his flexor pronator tendon on Nov. 11, or his knee, where doctors removed loose bodies and a portion of his meniscus on Jan. 13. "Getting on the mound was nice, being able to push the ball with my back leg to the target," said Lidge, who blew 11 saves and posted a 7.21 ERA last ..."

Lidge vows no repeat of 2009

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February 18

Camden Courier-Post

"Brad Lidge made so many modifications to his delivery last year to take pressure off his aching knee that he may have been tipping his pitches. He vows that won't happen this season. In his first public comments since arriving at Phillies camp, Lidge reiterated Wednesday what he told the Courier-Post last week: After offseason surgeries on his right elbow in November and his right knee last month, he's about two weeks behind schedule but remains hopeful of catching up in time to be ready for the season opener. "If there aren't any setbacks, I think it's a reasonable possibility," Lidge said. "We'll be smart about it." Lidge is eager to forget about his nightmarish 2009 season -- "I'm going ..."

Lidge takes a hard look back

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February 18

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Brad Lidge spent the majority of last season changing his pitching mechanics to compensate for his injured knees, which in turn affected his arm. He never admitted publicly that the injuries contributed to a 2009 season in which he blew a league-leading total of 11 saves and posted a 7.21 ERA. Now, after two off-season operations that have put him two weeks behind schedule entering spring training, Lidge can take a fresh look back on his worst season as a professional. "The thing is," Lidge said, "you try and convince yourself as well that 'yeah, you're not 100 percent, but you'll be fine. You'll go out there, do your thing, and be able to get the same results as normal.' You try ..."

Unlike health, faith never lets Lidge down

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February 18

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Brad Lidge's defining characteristic is belief - in God, in himself, in the basic goodness of the world. He feels that all suffering happens for a reason, and will always lead to better days. But belief is a tricky concept in sports; the line between healthy optimism and blind faith is wafer thin. Lidge lives on that border, and it is unclear whether his optimism will lead to the significant improvements in performance that he seeks this year. Lidge said yesterday that because of knee and elbow operations this winter, he was about two weeks behind schedule and might not be ready for opening day. The Phillies' closer, who blew 11 save opportunities and posted a ghastly 7.21 ERA in 2009, sat ..."

Phillies closer Lidge eager to make up for brutal 2009 season

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February 18

Philadelphia Daily News

"Maybe the Phillies have reason to worry. Maybe Brad Lidge's knee wasn't his biggest problem last season. Maybe the clock struck midnight. Maybe Delilah cut his hair. Maybe a bald villain traveled back in time and pilfered his mojo. Maybe Brad Lidge really did go from being the best closer in the game to being, statistically, the worse. Maybe you find it hard to believe that Lidge's balky knee - which he discussed at length yesterday in a press conference scheduled implicitly (and astutely) to be the Final Word on his disappointing 2009 season - was to blame for the 11 blown saves and 7.21 ERA. But know this: When you inspect his numbers, and his progression, and his intermittent periods of ..."

Hamels, Lidge among few insecurities for Phillies

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February 16

Wilmington News Journal

"For the past 3 1/2 months, since that chilly November night in the South Bronx, Ruben Amaro Jr. has been plotting a course to reacquire the World Series trophy wrenched from the Phillies' grasp by the Yankees. Now, it's the players' turn. As spring training dawns under the Florida sun (pitchers and catchers will have their first mandatory workout Thursday on the manicured fields of the Carpenter Complex) and the Phillies endeavor to become the first team to win three straight National League championships since the 1942-44 St. Louis Cardinals, Amaro can only sit and watch, just like everyone else. "I believe that our club is better going into spring training than it was last year," the ..."

Phillies closer Lidge has positive vibes after tough season, two surgeries

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January 21

Philadelphia Daily News

"IT'S ONE OF those phrases that has come to be casually tossed around in the clubhouse. This is a humbling game, a ballplayer will shrug, usually explaining a couple of strikeouts or a tough outing that inflates his earned run average. That's nothing compared to what Brad Lidge went through in 2009. You want humbling? Try this: From the very top of Baseball Mountain to a constant struggle to overcome injuries and adversity. From the Perfect Closer to a guy who blew a major league-leading 11 save opportunities and also took the loss eight times. A year ago, the Phillies' closer could have spent an entire glittery offseason hearing how terrific he was, if he had chosen to accept all the ..."

WHAT SURGERY MEANS FOR LIDGE

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January 15

Wilmington News Journal

"So, in the aftermath of yesterday's disclosure that Brad Lidge had his right knee scoped and may not be ready for opening day, the biggest question I've been asked goes something like this: Why did Lidge wait until mid-January to have the surgery? Quite simply, Lidge didn't feel much discomfort until the past few weeks, agent Rex Gary told Philled In yesterday. Ruben Amaro Jr. added that the MRI exam didn't reveal any significant damage, and it wasn't until team physician Dr. Michael Ciccotti performed an exploratory scope that the loose bodies and meniscus tears were detected. So, Lidge won't begin a throwing program for about 10 days and may be behind most of the other pitchers during ..."

Opening Day in doubt for Lidge

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January 15

Camden Courier-Post

"It's a new year, but Brad Lidge has the same old problem. Lidge, dogged by a balky right knee throughout his wretched 2009 season, underwent arthroscopic surgery Wednesday to remove loose bodies and torn cartilage, the Phillies disclosed Thursday. And though the closer's camp and the team characterized the procedure as "nothing that alarming," both sides conceded it might cause him to miss the season's first few weeks. "Opening Day is not a magic day for us," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said by phone. "We want to make sure that he's 100 percent when he's ready to compete at the major league level." If anything, a surgically repaired right elbow threatened to delay Lidge's preparation ..."

Phils' Lidge undergoes knee surgery

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January 15

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Phillies closer Brad Lidge could miss opening day after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Wednesday, his second operation this off-season. Lidge, who spent time on the disabled list during the 2009 season because of pain in the knee, should begin a throwing program in 10 days, Phillies trainer Scott Sheridan said. The operation was performed by team physician Michael Ciccotti at the Rothman Institute at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. "We're not sure if he'll be ready by opening day [April 5], but we don't expect that he'll be too far behind," Sheridan said. "This surgery was not directly related to any previous surgeries." A team spokesman said general manager Ruben ..."

Latest surgery for Phillies closer Lidge said to be 'next to nothing'

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January 15

Philadelphia Daily News

"Turns out the Phillies are better than the Mets even when it comes to handling offseason surgeries. While their rivals to the northeast dealt with a disagreement with Carlos Beltran over an arthroscopic knee procedure, the Phillies and Brad Lidge appeared to be in complete agreement on the surgery he underwent Wednesday to remove loose particles and a portion of the meniscus from his right knee. The procedure is not expected to be a significant setback for Lidge, who is attempting to rebound from a frustrating 2009 season in which he blew 11 saves and posted a league-worst 7.21 ERA, although head athletic trainer Scott Sheridan said in a statement that the 33-year-old closer could miss ..."

More "minor" surgery for Lidge

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January 14

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Early in the offseason, the Phillies did not anticipate Brad Lidge needing surgery on right knee, which bothered him early last season and forced him to spend some time in the disabled list. That apparently changed, as Lidge underwent arthroscopic surgery on the knee yesterday, according to a press release issued by the team. The surgery is Lidge's second of the offseason, although team trainer Scott Sheridan said in a statement that the procedure was unrelated to any previous ones that the closer has undergone. Lidge had arthroscopic surgery to remove bone fragments from his right elbow earlier this offseason. Prior to the 2008 season, he had two arthroscopic procedures on his knee. In ..."

Lidge's patched-up elbow could patch up record

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November 15

Wilmington News Journal

columnist Scott Lauber

"Last week, after doctors mended the torn flexor tendon in his right elbow, Brad Lidge returned to his Colorado home with a clear mind and, at last, a sound body. "He actually was very upbeat after the surgery," Rex Gary, Lidge's Delaware County-based agent, said by phone. "I think he expects to be ready at or near the very beginning of spring training, but most important, he thinks he's going to feel a lot better next year." The assumption, of course, is that Lidge didn't feel particularly good this past season. Surely, that would explain a lot, specifically the 0-8 record, the 7.21 ERA and the majors-leading 11 blown saves that rendered his 2009 season an utter nightmare. But if the elbow ..."

Phillies closer Lidge has surgery

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November 12

Philadelphia Daily News

"Closer Brad Lidge had surgery yesterday to repair his flexor pronator tendon, but the Phillies said in a statement that they are hopeful the righthander will be ready "close to Opening Day."Lidge, who blew 11 saves and posted a 7.21 ERA after going 41-for-41 in save opportunities in 2008, kept the periodic pain in his elbow under wraps during the regular season."Brad could be 1 to 2 weeks behind in spring training," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said in a statement, "but, overall, we feel very good about his recovery time.""

Hamels, Lidge look forward to next season

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November 8

Camden Courier-Post

"Once the Phillies had clinched the National League East title and secured a playoff berth, Cole Hamels and Brad Lidge told each other it was their time for redemption after dismal individual performances in the regular season. It didn't work out that way. Hamels never came close to fulfilling the big-game reputation he made for himself in 2008. Cliff Lee replaced him as the Phillies' postseason ace, and with a 7.58 ERA in four starts, Hamels wasn't even as effective as a No. 2 starter as Brett Myers one year earlier. Lidge, placed in situations where his success might best be maximized, retired 12 of 15 batters and went 3-for-3 in save chances during the Division Series and NLCS. But in ..."

Surgery for Lidge, Ibanez, Eyre

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November 8

Camden Courier-Post

"A few medical updates, courtesy of the Phillies: -Brad Lidge does, in fact, have a "loose body" floating in his right elbow, possibly a cause of his dreadful season. Lidge will have that obstruction removed Wednesday in a procedure performed by team physician Dr. Michael Ciccotti. At the same time, Lidge will have his right flexor/pronator tendon evaluated. If there isn't any damage to the tendon, Lidge is expected to be ready by spring training. If there is, he could miss the start of camp. -Raul Ibanez will have surgery Monday to repair a sports hernia. Like Chase Utley's hip injury last season, Ibanez's groin/abdominal problem was the worst-kept secret in the Phillies' clubhouse during ..."

Phillies' Lidge might need minor elbow surgery

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November 7

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Phillies closer Brad Lidge could face arthroscopic surgery on his pitching elbow, where he experienced occasional pain during the season that the team thinks could be caused by loose bone fragments. Lidge was scheduled to see team Dr. Michael Ciccotti yesterday, where he was expected to receive a more definitive prognosis. If the Phillies' hypothesis is confirmed, Lidge likely would have arthroscopic surgery either to shave down a bone spur or remove any bony fragments that have broken off and are causing irritation. Such a procedure would not jeopardize Lidge's availability for spring training, said Rex Gary, his Philadelphia-based agent. Gary said that Lidge had felt discomfort for "a ..."

Manuel's wavering on Lidge

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November 4

New York Post

"Corn-pone Phillies manager Charlie Manuel did his aw-shucks best yesterday to convince everyone he hasn't lost faith in Brad Lidge. But Manuel's actions in Game 5 of the World Series Monday night spoke louder than his words. The decision not to go back to Lidge in a save situation one night after the veteran closer's Game 4 meltdown against the Yankees led many observers to wonder if Lidge won't be seen again in the Fall Classic. It's a legitimate question, considering Lidge's dreadful regular season and the fact the Phillies -- down 3-2 in the series -- have no margin for error in their bid to become the NL's first repeat champion in 33 years."

'Bad Brad' returns to bite Phils

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November 2

New York Post

"The regular-season Brad Lidge reared his ugly head at the worst possible time for the Phillies. The embattled closer had appeared to turn around his awful year in the playoffs -- until the ninth inning last night, when another Lidge meltdown led to a 7-4 loss to the Yankees in Game 4 of the World Series that put the Phillies on the brink of elimination. Lidge, who had been one of the heroes of the Phillies' run to the World Series championship last season, is poised to go down as one of the goats this year with a disastrous first appearance. Entering a 4-4 game after teammate Pedro Feliz had electrified the crowd with a solo homer in the bottom of the eighth, Lidge allowed three runs on ..."

Lidge unravels in ninth

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November 2

Camden Courier-Post

"Before a pitch was thrown in the 2009 World Series, Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda predicted the team with the best bullpen would be this year's champions. Nearly every pundit in America agreed. Through the first three games of the World Series they had been wrong. Every one of them. Entering Game 4, the six pitchers who had come out of the Phillies' bullpen combined for an ERA of 3.90. The Yankees' bullpen, thanks to Phil Hughes and his ginormous ERA of 81.00, had a combined earned-run average of 16.20 spread over six relievers. So why are the Phillies staring at a three-games-to-one hole that requires them to beat the Yankees in three straight games to repeat as World Champs? Because ..."

It could all come down to the closers

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October 28

Philadelphia Inquirer

"The most famous picture in Phillies history is of Tug McGraw leaping off the mound at the victorious conclusion to the 1980 World Series - the one that gave the franchise its first championship. The second most famous - and the most memorable in the minds of people under 40 - is the picture of Brad Lidge kneeling in front of the mound last October, reaching to embrace Carlos Ruiz in celebration of the second title. Come of think of it, a lot of "We Won the World Series" pictures feature a closer, which is natural, since the last of 27 outs usually comes from his hand. The closers in this World Series are even more important than usual, given the balance the teams show in other phases of ..."

Lidge's stunning return

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October 24

Washington Times

"Lidge proves his days aren't numbered A lot of numbers have been tossed around this postseason, everything from the tally of consecutive games in which Ryan Howard had an RBI to the number of times TBS broadcaster Chip Caray used the word "fisted." One figure, though, stands far above the rest: zero. Zero is the most stunning number of the playoffs, for it is how many runs Phillies closer Brad Lidge has yielded after the worst regular season by a closer - and maybe the poorest season by any reliever - in baseball history. The radical transformation of Lidge from the next Steve Blass back to a semblance of his slider-unleashing 2008 self is a plot twist no one saw coming. Expect for one ..."

Lidge gives Phillies the advantage

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October 19

Washington Post

"It all felt like overkill Sunday night ¿ the frantic waving of white towels by a bloodthirsty crowd, the frequent "Beat L.A!" chants, the conveniently bitter cold that greeted the visitors from southern California, the utter disregard showed by the Philadelphia Phillies' mighty lineup for the feelings of poor, helpless Hiroki Kuroda, the late-inning piling on. And especially Cliff Lee's merciless, bullying performance on the mound. Staked to a four-run lead in the first inning of Game 3 of the Nationals League Championship Series, then a six-run lead in the second, Lee could have eased up on the suddenly pitiable Los Angeles Dodgers. Instead, he lifted them off the ground by the throat and ..."

A clean slate for Phillies' Brad Lidge

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October 18

Denver Post

columnist Troy E. Renck

"It's not supposed to happen this way. The more pressure, the worse a player is supposed to perform. Then there's Brad Lidge. To be polite, he was horrible during the regular season, blowing nine one-run leads. He lost his way and his closer's job. Yet, he has found freedom in the Bunsen burner that is the playoffs, converting three consecutive saves entering today's game. "The regular season doesn't mean a whole lot when October rolls around, to be honest," said Lidge, who went 0-8 with a 7.21 ERA, the worst regular season by a closer since Shawn Chacon in 2004. "I had a rough season. But once the postseason started, it was totally different." Pitching coach Rich Dubee identified two ..."

Lidge preserves Game 1 win for Phillies

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October 16

Florida Today

columnist Mike Lopresti

"Whenever he walks in from the bullpen the next week, the game will likely be on the line. The pennant, too. Brad Lidge, after a season with more hills than Nepal, is vital to the fate of the Philadelphia Phillies. So it goes Thursday night. The Phillies are leading 8-6 in the ninth inning. It has been a four-hour ordeal of constant Dodger threats, and here he comes, to try to finish it. What must that be like, headed for fame or infamy? Let's ask the wife. She was perfectly willing to talk, as long as the 10-month old didn't wake from his nap and start fussing. "If it were my name, I would be terrified," Lindsay Lidge said over the phone from Philadelphia Thursday morning. "But that's ..."

Colorado's own Lidge closes out Colorado Rockies

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October 13

Denver Post

"First came the champagne shower that seemed to flow from waterfalls courtesy of Brad Lidge's delirious Phillies teammates. Then came the beer, poured from what looked like oil cans. For good measure, they added Coca-Cola just to make sure Lidge's soul patch got nice and sticky. The coup d'etat came from an avalanche of cold fluid that made Sunday night's Ice Ball seem like a July game in Phoenix. "Hey, that was a bucket of ICE WATER!" Lidge yelled with a smile even icicles couldn't break. "That doesn't count!" The last time Lidge was this happy after a game in Colorado, he had pitched Cherry Creek High School to the 1995 state title over Arvada West. That day in Colorado Springs, he beat a ..."

Lidge closes out Game 3 win for Phils

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October 12

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Brad Lidge said many times in September that he expected playoff success to redeem his season, to render irrelevant the sour memories of his 11 blown saves. However unlikely that claim sounded, Lidge's prediction seemed wise last night. He saved a tense, cold 6-5 win over Colorado in Game 3 of the National League division series, giving the Phils a two-games-to-one lead. The teams play Game 4 today at 6:07 p.m., when a Phillies win would clinch a berth in the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. At 2:14 a.m. in Philadelphia, Lidge induced a Troy Tulowitzki popup with two on in the ninth inning. "I was starting to get the feeling that things were going to go ..."

Lidge's rough season leaves Manuel, Phillies still seeking closure

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October 7

Denver Post

"So, Charlie Manuel was asked Tuesday afternoon, who is your closer for Game 1 of the National League division series? "Hard to tell," Manuel said. "I'll answer that when we get there. Who-ever you see walking out there." In all likelihood, Manuel knows but doesn't want to say. Then again, the way things have been going for the Phillies' bullpen, maybe he has no idea who he's going to go with if the game is on the line in the ninth inning today. This isn't 2008, and Brad Lidge isn't Brad Lidge. Lidge, Cherry Creek High's own, may have had the greatest season ever for a closer in 2008. He converted 41-of-41 save opportunities during the season and 7-of-7 in the playoffs. He also posed for ..."

Time to close the door on Lidge

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September 26

Philadelphia Inquirer

"The question facing the Phillies no longer is whether Brad Lidge should be the closer, but whether last year's hero should even be on the postseason roster. Lidge can no longer close major-league games. His performance all season has shown that and his ultra-meltdown on Wednesday night was just the final nail in the coffin. Maybe he'll recover next year, but this one is over - way over - for the guy who was perfect in 2008. And if Lidge can't close games what, really, can he do? Pinch-run? It sounds cruel, and there's no disrespect intended here, but it's where the Phillies have arrived this September, through a combination of an incredible string of injuries and their failure to acquire a ..."

Phillies acknowledge it's time for alternative to Lidge

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September 26

Philadelphia Daily News

"Nobody is sure how Charlie Manuel will handle the Phillies' next save situation, not even the manager himself. One thing is clear, though: The team feels it must find an option other than Brad Lidge, who blew his 11th save and saw his ERA climb to 7.48 in a 7-6 loss to the Marlins Wednesday.Before the Phillies' game against Milwaukee last night, general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. echoed the sentiment Manuel has expressed over the last 2 days, saying the club likely will experiment with other options besides Lidge."Our best [plan] is to have Lidge pitch the ninth,'' Amaro said. "Right now, he hasn't been doing that effectively. And we might have to make an adjustment off of that."Lidge's job ..."

Lidge can't hold lead

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September 24

Camden Courier-Post

"It was the Phillies' nightmare scenario. One-run lead. Ninth inning. Brad Lidge on the mound. And after only 19 pitches, the lead was gone. After 22, the game was lost. If it happens in October, the Phillies' playoff run will be short-lived. Lidge blew his majors-leading 11th save opportunity Wednesday night when he gave up Jorge Cantu's two-out RBI single to center field. He collected his eighth loss in eight decisions on pinch-hitter Brett Carroll's two-strike single up the middle that drove home Hanley Ramirez to give the Florida Marlins a come-from-behind 7-6 win at Land Shark Stadium. The latest deflating Lidge meltdown wasted a four-RBI game for Ryan Howard and prevented the Phillies ..."

Lidge blows another save as Marlins beat Phillies

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September 24

Philadelphia Daily News

"Last year, it was the perfect equation. Cole Hamels in the first seven innings. Ryan Madson in the eighth. Brad Lidge in the ninth. The result was a Phillies victory, and at the end of October, it was a World Series title.Last night, once again, it was not so.Hamels allowed four runs in seven innings, Madson allowed a key run in the eighth that cut the Phillies' lead to one run, and Lidge blew his 11th save of the season, allowing a leadoff double to Ross Gload and two-out RBI singles to Jorge Cantu and Brett Carroll.The result was a 7-6 loss that kept the Phillies' magic number at five and fanned the Marlins' slim hopes at the division title.It also renewed questions about the Phillies' ..."

Lidge, Manuel agree on adjusted role

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September 11

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Charlie Manuel still views Brad Lidge as an excellent closer, and he plans on shifting the bullpen dynamic this month with the goal of fixing Lidge in time for the playoffs. But if Lidge does not improve, others will use September to audition and prepare for the postseason job. What had become gradually clear this week was made official in a meeting after Wednesday's game: Lidge is no longer the Phillies' sole closer, though he could regain total control of the job this year. Last night provided the first opportunity for Lidge in his new role, which he hopes is temporary. Pitching in the eighth with the Phils behind, 8-2, to Washington, he allowed one hit and struck out two in a scoreless ..."

Manuel won't commit to just one closer for Phillies

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September 11

Philadelphia Daily News

"For 11 minutes yesterday afternoon, Charlie Manuel talked about the new state of the back of his bullpen. He said Brad Lidge could get a chance to close some games, but he also said Lidge could be used in non-save situations. He mentioned Ryan Madson, who earned saves in the first two games of the series against the Nationals, and Brett Myers, who spent most of 2007 in that role, as possibilities to pitch in save situations. He did not designate any one of the three players as The Closer. But he did not preclude any of them from consideration, either.Confusing? Perhaps.But then came perhaps his most telling comment, an unprovoked aside that bordered on philosophical."You know what?" Manuel ..."

Phillies manager Manuel finally decides to relieve his closer Lidge

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September 9

Philadelphia Daily News

columnist Sam Donnellon

"The groundwork was laid hours before, when Charlie Manuel's real emotions about Brad Lidge seeped through in a 22-minute dugout conversation. "I've always looked at him as our closer," the manager said before the Phillies' hair-raising, 5-3 victory over the Nationals last night. "But also, there comes a time when we have to win a game. It's a touchy situation."So touchy that Manuel then went on to say, "We can monitor his time and things like that and try to make sure we can put him in the right places."The right place seemed to be Nationals Park, against baseball's worst team, with a two-run lead, plenty of rest and a nicked-up bullpen. After Brett Myers brilliantly bridged another ..."

Madson closes for closer Lidge and Phils beat Nationals

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September 9

Philadelphia Daily News

"You did not need to hear the emotion in Charlie Manuel's voice when he later explained his decision. You did not need to see the way he shifted in his chair and locked his eyes with different people in the room, and filled the visiting manager's office at Nationals Park with the kind of raw honesty you do not often get from men whose job description demands they operate in the best interest of the pack.One of Manuel's strengths as a manager is the way he facilitates the game's bottom line while also acknowledging the heart it takes to play it, and even before he spoke to the media in the wake of the Phillies' 5-3 victory over the Nationals last night, it was on display:With the bases ..."

Lidge opens door for Astros

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September 6

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Here are some of the things a blown save overshadowed last night: The end of the Phillies' deep offensive malaise. A lineup that overcame the loss of Chase Utley, out with a bruised foot. A quality start by Joe Blanton. Brett Myers' effective return from hip surgery. No matter what the Phillies do during closer Brad Lidge's bad games, their efforts are always marred by his struggles. With last night's 5-4 loss to the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park, Lidge has squandered 10 save opportunities this season.After a game in which Myers looked impressive during a scoreless eighth inning, Lidge is certain to hear renewed, amplified questions about his job security."I'm just back there to ..."

Phillies' Lidge credits Manuel for turnaround

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September 5

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Brad Lidge has endured many worries this season, but job security has not been among them. That is a significant change from his time in this east Texas city, where he was demoted several times."Charlie [Manuel] has been the most supportive manager I have ever played for," an improving Lidge said yesterday. "With all I've gone through, it's been huge knowing that I'm going to keep my job."Lidge was perfect in 2008, but before last night's game, he had a 6.89 earned run average and nine blown saves - leaving many in the City of Brotherly Love to call for his job. The 32-year-old righthander had faced those questions before; after a dominant 2005 season as closer for the Astros, Lidge ..."

Lidge welcomes good omen

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August 24

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Even a guy who says he doesn't believe in luck felt lucky after Eric Bruntlett yesterday became the second player in major-league history to end a game with an unassisted triple play. "Hopefully, the luck has flip-flopped now," said Brad Lidge, whose 25th save in the Phillies' 9-7 win over the Mets was as odd as they come. "At times this year, the ball hasn't bounced the way you expect it to, but Lady Luck changed. Hopefully." So far this season, Lidge has been as unreliable a closer as he was reliable last season, when he did not blow a save. He has squandered eight chances this season and is the Phils' biggest concern as they try to retain their World Series championship. He looked like ..."

Lidge sees his luck take a positive turn

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August 24

Camden Courier-Post

"Brad Lidge has never been a big believer in luck. To him, a player's fortune is determined by performance, not a preordained fate. But, after the ninth inning Sunday, Lidge thinks his luck may be turning. After errors by Ryan Howard and Eric Bruntlett led to one run and put the tying run on base, Bruntlett turned an unassisted triple play to secure a 9-7 Phillies victory. It was only the second time in Major League Baseball history that a game has ended with an unassisted triple play. And it gave Lidge, the struggling closer, his 25th save. "The luck is hopefully flip-flopping," he said. "I don't really believe in luck a whole lot, but sometimes you feel unlucky, like the ball just hasn't ..."

Manuel explains handling of Lidge in Atlanta

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August 19

Philadelphia Inquirer

"It was a save situation in an important game for the Phillies on Sunday night - make that early Monday morning - in Atlanta. Although he wouldn't admit it before last night's game against Arizona at Citizens Bank Park, Charlie Manuel wouldn't have given a second thought to any reliever other than Brad Lidge to close the deal last season. But the Lidge of 2008 was an automatic save machine. Not so this season. Far from it, in fact. So Manuel saw an opportunity to bring in lefthander Scott Eyre because a pair of lefthanded hitters - Adam LaRoche and Ryan Church - were the first two Atlanta hitters scheduled to bat in the ninth. "LaRoche got a hit off Eyre earlier [in the season] and it was ..."

Lidge still key for Phillies

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August 7

Philadelphia Inquirer

columnist Phil Sheridan

"The moment Ben Francisco came out to pinch-hit for Cliff Lee, the ticking started in your head. The only question was whether it was the ticking of a time bomb. Because the moment Lee was out of the game in the seventh inning, the ninth belonged to Brad Lidge. It is a testament to Lidge's imperfect season that this is now a source of anxiety for Phillies fans. The man whose perfect 2008 included the final pitch of the World Series has been a bit of a cipher. Lidge blew six saves earlier this season, then went on the disabled list to rest his sore knee. Since he's been back from the DL, Lidge has converted all eight of his save opportunities. So all is well, right? Not so fast. Yesterday's ..."