Lidge Tossing His Way Out of The Ninth

It looks like Charlie Manuel got the hint.

Brad Lidge is not helping the Phillies.

After nearly blowing a save last night against a horrid Washington Nationals team, Manuel pulled Lidge in favor of Ryan Madson.

It's about time.

Lidge came into the game as an owner of ten blown saves, an ERA of 7.11, and a WHIP of 1.816.  And he looked to make it eleven blown saves on the season after giving up a single, a walk, and hitting a batter to load the bases.

Thankfully, Manuel put aside feelings and made a baseball move, much like he did with fan favorite Jamie Moyer a month earlier.  He pulled him for Ryan Madson, who recorded the last two outs for the save.

In the past, it was believed that Manuel had stuck with Lidge through the wild pitches, base hits, blown saves and the walks to keep his confidence up. As was seen in Houston, Lidge can often times lack the ability to forget, a trait needed to be an effective pitcher, especially in the closer role.

And with Brett Myers back in the bullpen (where he had hoped to be at the beginning of the 2008 season) and throwing relatively well, it looks as if Lidge may have pitched his way out of the ninth inning and into middle relief.

Will Brad Lidge be summoned in the ninth the next time the Phillies have a save situation? I’d guess yes, but should he repeat his Tuesday night performance that won’t be the case the next time.

It’ll be Brett Myers making the run from the bullpen.