Charlie The Procrastinator

The Phillies’ recent struggles, which if not turned around soon may spell out an early exit in the 2009 postseason, if they don’t relinquish their now five and a half game lead in the division first, appear to be many from the embarrassing offense to the throw of the dice starting rotation and the weakened bullpen but the biggest problem all year has been Brad Lidge’s inability to close out games and it has not gotten better. The Phillies’ recent struggles, which if not turned around soon may spell out an early exit in the 2009 postseason, if they don’t relinquish their now five and a half game lead in the division first, appear to be many from the embarrassing offense to the throw of the dice starting rotation and the weakened bullpen but the biggest problem all year has been Brad Lidge’s inability to close out games and it has not gotten better.

Everyone knows about Lidge’s perfect 2008 season. In 2009, however, he has become arguably the worst closer in baseball. If not for his ten, count them, ten blown saves at this point in the season the Phils would be in much better shape to lose a few as they are doing now. Almost every closer will blow a few save opportunities each year, but even if Lidge converted five of those ten that he has blown, the team would have eighty-four wins right now, as opposed to seventy-nine and a more comfortable lead in the division.

Phils manager Charlie Manuel has stuck by Lidge all season long with his “He’s my closer” moniker, but how much confidence could Charlie possibly be instilling in his closer if he keeps letting him blow save after save? In fact, it’s possible that the World Series Champion manager is doing more harm than good. Just watch Lidge’s body language when he’s on the mound and his extremely heavy breathing. This is not a sign of a guy who is confident. In fact, he looks terrified.

Charlie Manuel wanted to stick by Lidge after what he did for him, the team and the city last season and that is very respectable. There has to come a time, however, when last year is over and new adjustments are made to win games this year. “He’s my closer,” he says. Well, then guess what Charlie? If he’s your closer come October, you’ll be sitting at home on the couch after a few games and watching the World Series on TV.

Over the past few nights, Charlie Manuel has been more willing to use others, such as Ryan Madson, to close out games. Manuel has stated that at this point he’ll have to play the match-ups and do what’s best for the team rather than simply let Lidge blow game after game. One has to wonder, however, if this isn’t something they should have sorted out two months ago when Lidge was clearly not up for being the closer this year. Perhaps experimenting with a few different guys to close out games in July would have left the team a bit more prepared in September and October. Hopefully Charlie’s procrastination doesn’t turn into a disaster.