Brad Lidge would rather not talk about 2008 or 2009. Instead of focusing on the extremes of his baseball career, the Phillies closer prefers to chat about what’s happening in the moment.
“I don’t want to compare this year to ’08 or ’09,” Lidge said recently. “I feel great and I think I’m pitching good.”
His skipper agrees.
“The key is that Lidge has good command of his slider,” said Phillies manager Charlie Manuel. “He has good energy and a good smile. They way he’s smiling, you know he’s going good.”
For most of June, Lidge was smiling often. He had converted 4-of-5 save opportunities with a 3.27 ERA — until June 29. That’s when the old Lidge reared his head, blowing a three-run lead to the Reds and sky-rocketing his ERA to 5.25. Last year, such a failure might’ve lingered all season. But Lidge says that’s not true anymore.
“Last year, I didn’t have the confidence and strength that I have this year,” Lidge said. “When there are runners in scoring position, I can handle that this season. This year, there is no such trouble because I’m healthy and I’m confident I can close out games.”
It was a rainy, dreary day in Philadelphia on Saturday. That didn’t change as afternoon…
Following a strong effort scoring from second base on a walk/wild pitch in the fourth…
Aaron Nola had a rough night on the mound Friday night. More specifically, a rough…
After a hot week in Philadelphia, the Phillies kicked off their series against the San…
Birdwatching has become a cherished pastime for many since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, when people…
With the NFL Draft now behind us, the Philadelphia Eagles have revealed their class of…
This website uses cookies.