Is the Lidge era over in Philly? Or just as closer?

Written by Mike Mariano | 10 September 2009

If last night's game was the end of Lidge as the closer in Philly, then the night before was definitely the closing action.  Lidge has been slowly losing his grip all season and his grasp on his mental and emotion abilities has severed completely.  As we all know, this has happened to Lidge before, that's the only reason we got him.  In Houston, Lidge lost his mechanics and his mind and got dealt for Michael Bourne.  That's how low things had gotten.  In Philadelphia, Lidge rediscovered himself and his slider and we wouldn't all still have a fresh World Series ring to be thankful for.  However after his perfect season and playoffs in '08, Lidge is out as the go-to closer.  And you can't blame Charlie, it's been a long time coming.

So Ryan Madson is apparently the guy and he should be.  He was dominant as the set-up guy last season and has been dominant at times this season.  More simply, Madson is the best available.  The only other real option is Brett Myers, but he's just off rehab and a headcase of his own.  Madson was great last night and picked up a save with a strong performance.  He is and should be the closer of the immediate future.  Let him do the good as long as he can possibly do it well.  As for Lidge, he should work the 7th or the 8th with Myers getting whatever inning Lidge doesn't.

Actually, I think Lidge needs time off.  Give him a fake DL stint and some time at home with his family, 15 days would be fine.  Brad needs to clear his head and pitching more is not the way to do that.  The bullpen needs a healthy and dominant Lidge to carry us again and it's on Charlie to find a way to get that guy back again.