More Sugery for Lidge

Brad Lidge had his right knee scoped yesterday by team physician Dr. Michael Ciccotti at the Rotman Institute at Thomas Jefferson University. "This surgery was not directly related to any previous surgeries” said team trainer Scott Sheridan.

Get is all fixed Brad. A year like last will not cut it. The bullpen seems like the one big weakness for this team right now. 2008's bullpen was a major strength - somehow they have to get back to that. Halladay and a (hopefully) focused Hamels should help the 'pen but there are still some major question marks for the late innings.

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You'll Never Guess What Happened in the 9th

That’s right Phils fans, Brad Lidge blew another one! Anyone surprised? Me neither.  In a season that can only be described as a goddamned disaster for the Phils closer, Lidge blew his eleventh game of season last night against the Marlins.  It’s unnerving to think about a playoff game involving this guy.  How can the Phillies feel safe without a three-run lead heading into the 9^th? How can Charlie keep throwing Lidge out there to be battered night in and night out? It is beyond ridiculous to be talking about this on September 24^th , but this is the situation Lidge has put the Phillies in. I know we’re beating a dead horse here, but what should they do? I still say give the ball to Madsen. I know he’s blown a few as well, but I honestly cannot remember the last clean save Lidge has recorded.  At least with Madsen pitching there would be a little suspense, with Lidge on the mound the outcome is a forgone conclusion. I’m sick of this shit. The playoffs are just a few days away - something needs to change.  

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Not a Good Weekend for the WFC's

Hunter Pence homered and drove in three runs Monday in the Astros' 4-3 win over the Phils, capping off 6 for 13 performance in the series including three homers and eight RBI's. Chan Ho Park took the loss for the Phils after walking Michael Bourn with the bases loaded in the 7th inning, squandering a three-hit, two-run gem pitched by Jamie Moyer. The old man was a last-minute substitution after J.A. Happ was unable to pitch due to an oblique strain. Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez both homered in the losing effort.

The Phils did everything possible to prevent themselves from winning over the weekend, but the low point of the series had to be Brad Lidge's continued sucking. The Phils' bats finally came to life Saturday night, and their trusted closer did what he seems to do best this season - suck. Brett Myers has looked decent in his first couple of outings, and it might be time for Charlie to take a look at bailing on "Lights Out". How many more games does Lidge need to blow before Charlie swallows his pride and does something about the situation? It's beyond ridiculous at this point. Loyalty to your players is a great trait for a manager to possess, but loyalty at the expense of success is just stupidity.

Luckily the Phils have a comfortable cushion in the NL East. They head into series' with the Nationals and Mets this week up 6 games on the Marlins.

P.S. Google Hunter Pence's girlfriend - you will not be disappointed.
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