Blogs

Brad Lidge

Pitcher
Position
P
Bats
R
Throws
R

Contract: Signed though 2011, with club option for 2012

  • Height: 6-5
  • Weight: 210 lbs
  • Born: Dec 23, 1976

  • Debut: April 26, 2002

SEASON

IPWSKERA
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Newsbreakers

November 7, 2009

According to the Twitter page of Phillies' beat writer Scott Lauber, closer Brad Lidge will have surgery on Wednesday to remove a loose body from his right elbow. Lidge will also have his right flexor tendon evaluated at that time.

Our View:

The Phillies aren't too concerned about this procedure, as it is a fairly minor operation. The flexor tendon could be the bigger worry here, but overall this doesn't figure to be a huge deal.

October 15, 2009

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Manager Charlie Manuel has yet to say whether Brad Lidge or Ryan Madson will handle the closing duties in the NLCS.

Our View:

Lidge has earned a pair of one-run saves so far in the postseason, while Madson has blown two opportunities, so it's not tough to see who's got the hot hand. Manuel is likely just being coy, and fans should expect to see Lights Out on the mound in save situations. Still, there's no guarantee that his bouts of ineffectiveness won't return against the Dodgers.

October 12, 2009

Brad Lidge took to the mound in Game 2 of the NLDS with a one-run lead in the ninth inning. The struggling closer recorded the final three outs for his first save since October 30th. He allowed two baserunners on walks and needed 20 pitches to get through the frame.

Our View:

It was certainly a relief to see Lidge make an appearance in which he did not give up a run, but this was anything but smooth. He remains the de facto closer, but it's still possible manager Charlie Manuel turns to other pitchers in close situations this postseason.

October 6, 2009

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel has not committed to a closer for the National League Divisional Series, according to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki.

Our View:

When Manuel was asked who would close game one, he responded, "Hard to tell. Whoever you see walk out there." It's clear the Phillies aren't planning on just blindly giving Brad Lidge and his 7.21 2009 ERA the ball with the game on the line this October.

October 5, 2009

Brad Lidge has started throwing a cut fastball, according to MLBlogs.com.

Our View:

Lidge is famous for his fastball/slider combination, but he is apparently adding a third pitch for the playoffs after his meteoric 2009 struggles. It seems crazy for a pitcher to be adding a new pitch for the playoffs, but when you've struggled like Lidge has this year, you will likely try anything. He says he plans on only throwing it to left-handed hitters.

September 26, 2009

Though it's unknown who they'll turn to, the Phillies finally appear likely to give in and move onto another option at closer given Brad Lidge's lack of effectiveness the entire season, according to the Philadelphia Daily News.

Our View:

Lidge clearly isn't the answer, though it's unknown exactly who is at this point. Ryan Madson has been the setup man all season long but has struggled of late. Brett Myers would make sense given his previous closing experience, but he's been out since Sept. 12 with a shoulder strain. Reliever J.C. Romero is a possibility, and given that the Phillies clearly won't be using a five-man rotation in the playoffs, they could even go with one of their current starters, such as J.A. Happ or Pedro Martinez. It's anybody's guess who will close for the Phillies in the playoffs, and it should be an interesting scenario to watch unfold for the defending champs.

September 23, 2009

Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports that Phillies manager Charlie Manuel again stood by beleaguered closer Brad Lidge after his latest blown save on Wednesday night.

Our View:

"He was our closer last year and he'll be our closer now," Manuel was quoted as saying. Without one once of sensationalism, it can be said that he should lose his job if he actually stands by his latest inane proclamation. Aside from his 11 blown saves and 7.48 ERA for the season, Lidge is 0-2 with two blown saves and a 10.80 ERA in 6.2 September innings. So to summarize, he wasn't effective in April, May, June, July or August, and he certainly hasn't been in September. The Phils aren't just losing game because of his struggles, either - they are also getting demoralized at the worst possible time.

September 23, 2009

Attempting to pick up his 32nd save on Wednesday night, Brad Lidge instead blew his 11th, as he allowed the Marlins to rally from a 5-4 deficit for a 6-5 win at home.

Our View:

At what point will enough be enough for the Phillies? Plain and simple, they won't escape the first round of the playoffs, let alone win the World Series, if Lidge remains their fireman. Despite Ryan Madson's struggles (he also allowed a run on Wednesday), they have not been nearly as pronounced as Lidge's, and he should be given time to grow into the role as the season winds down. Not that the Phillies will do that, since that would be the correct thing to do. For posterity, Lidge's mythically terrible numbers now read: 0-8 record, 11 blown saves, 7.48 ERA and an impossible 1.86 WHIP in 55.1 innings. You can tell your grandkids you were alive to see it.

September 20, 2009

Brad Lidge picked up his 31st save of the season on Sunday in the Phillies' 4-2 win over the Braves. Lidge allowed one run on one hit while walking one and striking out two in the outing.

Our View:

Lidge closed the door for the Phils today, but he was far from dominating again. The concern about late innings is legit in Philly, and they need to get something figured out before the postseason begins.

September 11, 2009

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel has hinted that Brad Lidge could close for the Phillies in the playoffs, according to Philadelphia Inquirer.

Our View:

If Lidge pitches well in "lower stress" situations this month, he will indeed be the Phils closer in the playoffs, somewhere he was seven of seven in save opportunities last season. For now, expect Ryan Madson, and possibly Brett Myers, to handle closing duties.

September 10, 2009

According to the Twitter page of Phillies' beat writer Todd Zolecki, pitcher Brad Lidge will only be used in low stress situations with chances to close until he gets his confidence back. Lidge has given way to Ryan Madson in the last two save opportunities.

Our View:

This isn't a big shocker given how Lidge has struggled this season, but it should mean more save opportunities for Madson. A guy to keep an eye on is Brett Myers, who could take over if Madson struggles and Lidge continues to get bypassed.

September 9, 2009

Brad Lidge was not used in a save situation on Wednesday night.

Our View:

The Phillies and manager Charlie Manuel called on Ryan Madson in a 6-5 game in the ninth inning. He allowed one hit, while striking out one, en route to picking up his sixth save of the season. Lidge, who has an amazing ten blown saves in 38 chances this season, as well as a 7.11 ERA, appears to have finally been stripped of his closing duties. Add Madson as quickly as possible if you are an owner.

September 9, 2009

Brad Lidge had another miserable night on Tuesday. The beyond beleaguered closer allowed one hit, walked another and threw a wild pitch, while recording just one out, before being yanked in favor of Ryan Madson who then promptly recorded the final two outs.

Our View:

What is going on in Philadelphia is just irresponsible at this point. There is loyalty, and then there is insanity and the Phillies and manager Charlie Manuel have crossed over into the latter. If either Ryan Madson or Brett Myers is not installed as the closer before the playoffs begin, very simply, the Phillies can kiss their repeat hopes goodbye.

September 8, 2009

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel stood by embattled closer Brad Lidge on Tuesday, saying "(he) is our closer," according to the Associated Press.

Our View:

Lidge blew his major league "leading" tenth save last Saturday, and is 0-7 with a 7.15 ERA in 50.1 innings this season. Brett Myers remains waiting in the wings.

August 28, 2009

Brad Lidge pitched a mercifully quiet ninth inning for the Phillies on Friday night, allowing no baserunners while striking out one en route to his 26th save.

Our View:

Lidge "lowered" his ERA to 7.17 with the scoreless frame. It would be nice to be able to believe tonight was the beginning of a trend for the beleaguered fireman, but one good night won't erase the memories of those nine ugly blown saves.

August 26, 2009

The agent for Brad Lidge insinuated on Wednesday that the reason behind Lidge's struggles could be his unusually high batting average against of .352 on balls put into play, according to Fox Sports.

Our View:

Right, and the only reason Kobe Bryant scores so much is because he "luckily" always gets left wide open. Are the 11 home runs Lidge has allowed this season also by virtue of being "unlucky"? Perhaps they are actually just a result of his lifeless breaking pitches and down-the-middle fastballs. Unless the Phillies have absolutely lost their minds, or Lidge miraculously has a a second career resurgence in as many years, expect all this madness to end before the playoffs begin, and for Lidge to be out of a ninth inning job.

August 26, 2009

According to MLBlogs.com, Brad Lidge will remain as Phillies' closer despite blowing his ninth save of the season on Tuesday. Lidge is 0-6 with a 7.33 ERA this season.

Our View:

The closer is starting to look like a major problem for the Phils in their quest to repeat as champs. Lidge has been awful, but the team doesn't have anyone else that they feel comfortable with. Watch for Brett Myers as a possibility, as he is due back soon and could step into the role if he pitches well and Lidge continues to struggle.

August 23, 2009

Brad Lidge's tenure as the Phillies' closer was in its final act on Sunday. The struggling righty had already allowed two Mets runs in the ninth inning, cutting the Phils lead to 9-7, before putting two other runners on base without recording an out. His inevitable demise, and loss of his closing job, had finally arrived. That's when Jeff Francoeur lined into the 15th unassisted triple play in major league history.

Our View:

Only the Mets could fail to deliver the knockout blow to a beleaguered closer by virtue of hitting into an unassisted triple play. Lidge lives to blow saves another day.

August 16, 2009

Brad Lidge got a one-out save on Sunday night in the Phillies' 4-1 win over the Braves.

Our View:

It looked like Manager Charlie Manuel didn't want to use old Lights Out, but when Scott Eyre allowed a two-out walk, Lidge only needed one out to not blow the game. He has 23 saves on the season now, but still holds a 7.21 ERA and leads the league in blown saves with eight.

July 7, 2009

Brad Lidge took his fourth loss of the season on Tuesday, giving up the game winning run in the ninth, as the Reds beat the Phils 4-3.

Our View:

Lidge had been pitching incredibly well since coming off of the disabled list, but had another meltdown on Tuesday, allowing two hits and walking one. Still, it's hard to ignore the strides he's made lately, and tonight was probably little more a hiccup in his return to dominance.

June 28, 2009

Brad Lidge earned his first save since June 1st on Sunday afternoon. He allowed a hit and a walk in the ninth inning, but a run did not cross the plate as the Phillies finished off the Blue Jays 5-4.

Our View:

Lidge has had a tumultuous season to date, but has still recorded 14 saves. His ERA is still a depressing 7.57, but perhaps today's performance was the boost he needed to get back on track. We'll see.

June 25, 2009

As expected, the Phillies have activated closer Brad Lidge off the DL and optioned reliever Sergio Escalona to Triple-A, according to TSN.ca. Lidge is expected to be available for tonight's game against the Rays.

Our View:

Lidge may not be at 100 percent yet, but he feels good enough to be back with the team. He should resume his role as the team's closer immediately, especially considering the struggles of fill-in Ryan Madson. Lidge should be activated immediately in all leagues so he is available as soon as possible.

June 24, 2009

Updating an earlier report, Brad Lidge will be activated from the DL Thursday, according to Andy Martino's twitter page. He has been recovering from a sprained knee.

Our View:

Lidge fared fine while throwing a hitless inning in his Single-A rehab outing today. He should resume his role as the Phillies' closer immediately upon his return.

June 24, 2009

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Brad Lidge felt good while throwing a hitless inning of relief in a Single-A rehab appearance on Tuesday.

Our View:

Lidge drove hard of his bad knee and said that he felt strong and healthy. His fastball got up to 93 mph and he was apparently hitting his spots. It's uncertain if he'll need another rehab appearance, but the team says he may come off the DL today. Stay tuned.

June 21, 2009

According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Brad Lidge will make one more rehab appearance before coming off of the disabled list.

Our View:

Originally slated to return to the Phillies on Tuesday, Lidge will pitch in Class-A that day and head back to the majors on Wednesday. If the team feels he needs another session after that he could be bumped back to Friday. Still, this week looks like a strong possibility for his return.

June 20, 2009

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the team feels closer Brad Lidge will be ready to come off the DL on Tuesday when eligible.

Our View:

Manager Charlie Manuel said that Lidge has just "natural soreness" and is progressing right on schedule. He threw a 42-pitch bullpen session on Thursday and could throw another today to test his injured knee. As of right now everything looks good and barring a setback expect Lidge to be closing out games early next week.

June 18, 2009

The Philadelphia Daily News is reporting that Phillies' closer Brad Lidge threw 42 pitches in a bullpen session on Thursday and felt great afterward. Lidge is confident that he will be ready to begin a rehab stint on Friday, but the Phillies want to wait and see how he feels tomorrow before making that decision.

Our View:

Regardless what the Phillies decide on his rehab stint, Lidge should be back closing games with the Phils very soon. As long as he still feels fine tomorrow, expect him to make his rehab trip and he could be activated as soon as next week.

June 16, 2009

Brad Lidge threw 30 pitches off a bullpen mound on Tuesday and said his achy right knee felt fine according to the Wilmington Journal.

Our View:

Lidge is scheduled to throw again on Thursday, and if that goes well he might pitch in a minor league game this weekend. He is eligible to come off the disabled list on June 23.

June 10, 2009

Brad Lidge was upset with the decision to place him on the 15-day DL, according to MLB.com. The closer also said he doesn't think he'll need much more than the 15 days for his knee to get back to 100 percent.

Our View:

The article also speculates that he injured the knee during the initial World Series celebration, but Lidge says there's no truth to that. Ryan Madson will close games until Lidge is able to return.

June 9, 2009

The official Twitter page of the Phillies is reporting that closer Brad Lidge has been placed on the 15-day DL with a sprained right knee. Lidge has blown six saves this season, and there has been rampant speculation that his knee has been bothering him all year.

Our View:

This comes as a bit of a surprise, but it was obvious Lidge was not at 100 percent. Hopefully a few weeks off will allow the knee to fully heal, but fantasy owners need to find another option quick at closer. Don't expect him to be out for much more than the 15 days unless he has a setback.

June 5, 2009

The Philadelphia Daily News is reporting that the knee of closer Brad Lidge is not an issue anymore. "It feels like I don't really have to worry about it as much anymore. I don't have to worry if it's going to respond. It's stronger, and I am confident that it will." Lidge recorded a save in four straight days from May 29 to June 1.

Our View:

Lidge has been much better as of late, so it seems like his knee injury may be a thing of the past. He has been pitching on consecutive days on a regular basis, so fantasy owners can expect to see the Brad Lidge of old going forward. Be weary of an injury recurrence, but for now it appears that Lidge is completely healthy.

June 1, 2009

The Philadelphia Enquirer is reporting that Brad Lidge is back on track after converting his last three save chances. "I feel really good right now," said Lidge. "My command has come back, and my stuff has come back. Even when I wasn't going good, I felt like this was going to happen. It just took longer than I hoped it would."

Our View:

Lidge appears to be back, much to the delight of his fantasy owners. His stuff is there, so keep him in the fantasy lineup. If for any reason he is available in your league, now would be a good time to pounce.

May 31, 2009

Brad Lidge pitched a 1-2-3 inning en route to his 12th save of the season against Washington on Sunday.

Our View:

Lidge has picked up a save each of the past three days and has looked great in his past four outings since blowing two-straight saves against the Yankees last week. He appears to be back on track, although you may want to consider benching him tomorrow if you're league has daily lineup changes, as it's unlikely manager Charlie Manuel would send him out to the mound for a fourth-straight day.

May 26, 2009

The Phillies' allowed three runs in the ninth inning on Tuesday, but it wasn't when Brad Lidge was on the mound. He came in for the final two outs and mopped up the mess, earning his ninth save. He walked a man and struck out one as well as the Phillies beat the Marlins 5-3.

Our View:

Lidge has been so bad this season that pundits are wondering if he's been hurt or if something is wrong mentally, or with his delivery, or if he's tipping his pitches, and so on and so forth. Tuesday's outing was a positive sign and hopefully Lidge can build from there.

May 25, 2009

The AP reports that Phillies manager Charlie Manuel will stick with Brad Lidge as his closer, despite blowing back to back save chances against the Yankees this past weekend. Lidge has blown four of 12 chances this season after converting all 48 of his opportunities a season ago.

Our View:

Lidge has an awful 9.15 ERA through 21 appearances this season. At Yankee stadium this weekend he gave up four runs in 1.1 innings of work. The closer may be lacking confidence which has been a problem for him in the past. Ryan Madson would be the likely alternative to close games should Lidge ever lose the job.

May 24, 2009

Brad Lidge's struggles continue. He blew his fourth save of the season on Sunday and his second in the last two days. He allowed one run on two hits, but the Phillies eventually won the game in the 11th, nipping the Yankees 4-3.

Our View:

Lidge has been horrible this season after being perfect in 2008. With an ERA over 9.00 and a WHIP over 2.00 we're wondering if he's handing the ball to his evil twin brother. He's still the Phillies' closer, but if this trend continues he may not be for long.

May 23, 2009

Brad Lidge was unable to hold onto Philadelphia's two-run lead over the Yankees in the ninth inning on Saturday, surrendering a two-run homer to Alex Rodriguez and a game-ending RBI to Melky Cabrera. It marked Lidge's third blown save of the year.

Our View:

Three blown saves in 11 chances isn't awful, though it's certainly a disappointment after he was perfect in 41 regular season and seven postseason opportunities last year, and even worse when you consider the 9.00-plus ERA and 2.00-plus WHIP. There is a bit of reason to worry, though he does not appear hurt or at any risk of losing his closing role at the moment.

May 19, 2009

Brad Lidge made it interesting once again, but got the job done on Tuesday. He allowed a hit and a walk, but earned his eighth save of the season in the Phillies' 4-3 win over the Reds.

Our View:

Lidge has been flat out bad this season, but he has showed signs of turning it around. He will get plenty of save opportunities, and has convinced everyone that he is truly healthy, so now it's just down to performance. Let's hope he delivers.

May 9, 2009

Brad Lidge believes he is healthy and is just trying to regain his mechanics after missing time with knee inflammation, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Our View:

Lidge has allowed eight walks, 11 earned runs and five homers over 11.2 innings, but should remain in fantasy lineups as long as he is the closer of the defending champion Phillies. Hopefully he will get on track soon.

May 1, 2009

Updating a previous report, Brad Lidge threw a pain-free bullpen session Friday afternoon and has been declared ready to go for Friday's game, according to MLB.com.

Our View:

Lidge will be back in the closer's role tonight and is available to pitch in a save situation. Keep Lidge in your lineup unless he suffers a setback in the next few days.

April 30, 2009

Brad Lidge, who is dealing with right knee inflammation, will throw a bullpen session Friday, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Lidge said, "That is a big day. If it goes good, I am going to be able to go that night."

Our View:

If his session does not go well, the club may place him on the 15-day DL. GM Ruben Amaro noted that the next 72 hours should let the team know how he feels.

April 28, 2009

Brad Lidge is day-to-day while dealing with right knee inflammation, and manager Charlie Manuel indicated that he is not yet a candidate to land on the DL, according to the Journal News. Manuel said, "We do not think so yet. I will check Tuesday and see how he feels. He is a day-to-day guy."

Our View:

Lidge is concerned with the ailment because it is not feeling great, and he is anxious to return to the mound. Lidge should be held out of fantasy lineups until further notice.

April 28, 2009

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Brad Lidge was held out of Monday's 13-11 win over Washington due to right knee inflammation. He had an MRI on the knee, but it revealed no structural damage. He is currently considered day to day.

Our View:

Lidge has had a rough April and it looks like we can attribute it to a balky knee. Hopefully he will avoid the DL, but rest is probably the only thing that will get him back to 100 percent.

April 19, 2009

Lidge's perfect streak through his first 51 opportunities in Philadelphia ended on Saturday after he blew a save and got tagged with the loss upon giving up four runs to San Diego. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, neither his fastball nor his slider has been sharp this season.

Our View:

"My fastball command is pretty poor right now," Lidge said. "I'm trying to hit my spots, its just not getting there... That being said, I've left a couple of sliders up as well." We can't say that Lidge owners shouldn't be at least a bit concerned, as Lidge emerged as one of the game's most reliable closers last year but was shaky with the Astros in the seasons beforehand, although we'd still put our money down on him figuring things out and being just fine this season.

April 12, 2009

Brad Lidge needed 25 pitches, but eventually worked his way past the Rockies in Sunday's 7-5 loss to the Phillies. He surrendered a hit and a walk while striking out one and not giving up a run.

Our View:

Lidge has already made for appearances in seven days, and the Phillies want to be careful not to overuse him. Through those four innings of work, only two of them were save opportunities.

March 20, 2009

Brad Lidge is looking good in spring training, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. He said, "It is a steady progression, and I feel like I am where I need to be. The ball was close enough to where it is supposed to go, which is not bad for mid-March."

Our View:

He had been dealing with forearm tightness earlier in camp, but looks to be fine now. Lidge should be safe to target as a top-10 fantasy closer.

March 12, 2009

Brad Lidge, who had been bothered by forearm tightness earlier in the spring, pitched one inning of an intrasquad game on Wednesday, allowing one hit (a home run) and zero walks while striking out one, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Our View:

While he apparently aimed poorly on a fastball that led to the home run, the good news was that his forearm felt fine afterwards. "I felt probably a little better than I thought I'd feel," said Lidge. "My slider was better than it is normally this time of year." Though it's not to say he doesn't come with a bit of risk given his inconsistent years with the Astros in the past, his phenomenal campaign last season, his first in Philadelphia, makes him a sure-fire top-10 closer.

March 9, 2009

Brad Lidge, who has been dealing with a tight forearm, is slated to pitch Wednesday, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. He felt good following a bullpen session Sunday.

Our View:

As of now, Lidge looks to be safe to draft as a top-10 fantasy closer.

March 2, 2009

Brad Lidge, who has been dealing with a tight forearm, threw a bullpen session Monday, according to MLB.com.

Our View:

His session went well, and tightness and stiffness is usual for him in spring training, meaning fantasy owners should not be concerned. He will throw a few more pen sessions as a tune-up before working in a game.

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