The Sports Simpleton
  • 09:42 AM ET  05.15
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Lights out Lidge has turned into Lit Up Lidge.  With an ERA over 8.00, and the new propensity for giving up runs, how much longer can the Phillies afford to keep him in the closer's role.  For a number of years, closer had been a week spot for the Phillies.  Sure they had the likes of an old Jose Mesa, and old Tom Gordon, and a whiny baby Billy Wagner, but after the season Brad had, he looked like he was going to have his job secure, until this season started anyway.

It could be an injury.  Brad Lidge did start 2008 spring training with a bad knee, and there have been reports to indicate that it is a knee job again.  This could mean that Philly will have the Brad Lidge that lost his job in Houston, the same one that looked like he imploded after a certain home run by a certain Albert Pujols. 

Regardless of what his ailment is, it leaves the Phillies in the precarious situation of not have anybody to really replace him.  Right now it would probably be Ryan Madson, who came on strong as the setup guy in Philadelphia's World Series run.  So if it is a knee, or confidence, or an infection from a new Care Bears tattoo, he should be shut down for a while.  He's hurting the team by his inability to shut down opponents.

Brad Lidge must be healthy if the Phillies are going to compete for a repeat title.  The bullpen is vital to this team, especially since four of the five starters are not likely to get past the sixth inning, and if Lidge is simply not wanting to go on the DL, too bad.  Let him get his rest, his confidence, so he can come back and get some outs.  Do it before it's too late.

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