Skip to main content

Bad Lidge

So far this season, Brad Lidge has been scored on in 8 of his 15 appearances, including his last 5. Last season it took Lidge until Joe Blanton's first Phillies start on July 22nd, to be scored upon 8 times. In fact, through May 14th last year, Lidge had only been scored on once (his first run allowed was on May 13th). All of Lidge's runs this season are earned. It was August 3rd last season before Lidge let up earned runs for the 8th time.

There have been rare occasions where Lidge struggled this badly. To start his career with Houston in 2002, Lidge was scored on in his first three appearances. In August 2006, Lidge let up runs in three straight appearances for the second time in his career. The following month, Lidge was scored on in 6 out of 8 appearances. Lidge's 2006 season ERA was 5.28. Other than that single rough year, Lidge's highest season ERA came in his first full season in the Majors, 2003, at 3.60. There have been no times in Lidge's career that he was scored upon in more than 3 consecutive outings, before now.

His current ERA, through 15 appearances, is 8.59. In Lidge's difficult 16 game stretch from mid-August 2006 when he was scored on in three straight, to when he was scored on in 6 of 8 in September, his ERA was 5.39. So, the reality of all this is that his start to the 2009 season is the worst stretch of games in Brad Lidge's career.

What exactly is wrong with Lidge? I don't know. The Phillies may not know. Brad Lidge may not even know. A role reversal may be in order. Ryan Madson, known to some as "The Bridge to Lidge", may be the more reliable guy to trust when a game is on the line. Madson has thrown 9 straight scoreless outings, and batters are hitting .211 off of him. We know the streak that Lidge has going, and opponents are batting .317 off of him. Maybe a DL stint is in order. Maybe that will be put off, by the Phils, till JC Romero is closer to returning (his suspension is up, barring rain outs, on June 3rd). Maybe pitching coach Rich Dubee will do his job and fix the problem. Maybe Lidge will get back to being Mr. Perfect. Maybe I am having a bad dream. Pinch me.

Comments

GM-Carson said…
I like your omission of the "r" from Brad's, oops I mean Bad's name.
Amanda said…
I think Eaton has a lower ERA than him...
Anonymous said…
Now pitching for the Phillies- BAD Lidge.
Something needs to change. He's not the same any longer.....


-OBC

Popular posts from this blog

Caption This....

Jayson Werth was hit by a pitch thrown by Jeff Bennett on Friday. This picture shows where the ball made contact with Werth. Drop YOUR caption in the comments area.

Who is Your Favorite Willie 'Mays' Hayes?

PhoulBallz.com is wondering which individual who has portrayed Willie "Mays" Hayes is the favorite of the public. Hayes, of course, is the character made famous in the Major League motion picture series. In Major League , Willie "Mays" Hayes was portrayed by budding Hollywood actor Wesley Snipes, who would go on to action movie superstardom. Snipes has starred in major motion pictures like the Blade trilogy, Passenger 57 , Undisputed and many more. Snipes remains an impact Hollywood actor, despite legal troubles related to income tax evasion. Snipes was replaced for the sequel, Major League II when his busy career, and possibly the film's budget, would not allow him to return, by Omar Epps. Another budding actor, Epps had previously worked with director David S. Ward, on the film The Program , and landed the role of Hayes, who had become a Hollywood action star over the off-season that occured between the two films. Epps' career portraying athletes rolle

Harry Kalas Phorever...

Legendary broadcaster Harry Kalas passed away today. Harry collapsed while preparing to call today's game against the Washington Nationals. So many phans will feel as though we've lost a member of our own families. I feel as though I've lost a part of myself, but Harry enhanced my love of the great sport we call baseball and I will always carry that love, and Harry, in my heart. I've stated on this page before that I consider Harry more of a Phillie than anyone who wears the uniform as an active member of the roster. Harry Kalas was a Phillie. Moreso, Harry Kalas was the Phillies. Please share your thoughts and memories of Harry in the comments section, or send them to PhoulBallz (at) verizon (dot) net.