Something doesn’t quite add up concerning the Phils’ move to place struggling closer Brad Lidge on the 15-day disabled list.
Was I in a delusional state or did I hear pitching coach Rich Dubee say on a between-innings chat with broadcasters on the Sunday night national ESPN game that he didn’t think Lidge’s problems were anything physical?
I also get the impression that the move to the DL was not Lidge’s idea.
Hence you have GM Ruben Amaro’s comments that the team took the decision “out of the player’s hands.” Took the words out of his mouth as well.
Lidge is not talking and was not available after the announcement Tuesday afternoon.
Clearly, Lidge has not been the dominant closer he was last year. But then it’s doubtful that anyone would be. All Lidge was last year was perfect, slamming the door 41 straight times.
This year he’s already blown six saves, including the only two games the Phils lost on their West Coast trip.
But that doesn’t mean he’s been horrible. He does have 13 saves in 19 opportunities, and prior to those two hiccups in Los Angeles he appeared as if he was putting it together.
Now the Phils might have an even bigger problem than an unhealthy Lidge.
They might have an unhappy Lidge.
Maybe he’ll come back in two weeks better than ever. The Phils are hoping so.
The last thing they need right now is a closer with a sore head, as well as a sore knee.
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