CLEARWATER, Fla. -- This much we know: A week from today, at Citizens Bank Park, the Phillies will open their 2008 season against the Washington Nationals.But will Brad Lidge be there?
Right now, that's about as uncertain as the weather.
Lidge threw 16 pitches in an intra-squad minor-league game yesterday at the Complex, and although he struggled with his command (only eight strikes) and was disappointed by his velocity (fastball reached only about 90-92 mph), he continues to insist he'll be ready for opening day. If not, Lidge said he will be good to go by the season's second game, April 2.
Still, the Phillies are being extra cautious with their new closer. Lidge, who had arthroscopic right knee surgery Feb. 25, is scheduled to pitch in minor-league games Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, which means he will remain in Clearwater after the Phillies break camp Thursday and head home for two exhibition games at the Bank against the Blue Jays.
Don't read too much into that. Assistant GM Ruben Amaro Jr. said the Phillies are "hopeful" that Lidge won't have to start the season on the DL, although he added "time will tell on our decision." And if Lidge does go on the DL, the Phillies always can backdate the move to March 21, making him eligible to return April 5 in Cincinnati for the second game of the season's second series. That wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.
So, will Lidge be in the bullpen on opening day? Stay tuned.
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Had lunch before yesterday's game with a bunch of scouts. One, an American League scout who I've known for several years, said he thinks the Phillies were shrewd to sign Pedro Feliz to a two-year, $8.5 million contract. After watching him a lot last season with the Giants, the scout said Feliz will be a "great short-term signing" and expects him to drive in a lot of runs batting behind Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Pat Burrell in the Phillies' lineup.
By the way, in an informal poll of about five scouts, none think the Phillies have enough pitching to defend their NL East title. What do you think? Are you as skeptical as they are?
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Quiet morning here. Phillies play a night game against the Yankees in Tampa. Phil Hughes pitching for the Yanks, Jamie Moyer for the Phillies. Lineups and more updates later today.
7 comments:
Considering the importance of his role this year, and his noted shaky psyche, I wouldnt want to rush Lidge into a game and have him fail first or even second time out.
However, Phils cannot afford to have their usual-first-20-games-of-the-season pseudo slump, and in order to go 15-5 instead of 8-12 in those first 20 we'd need him in there.
Love your blog!
Hey, the scouts can talk all they want, but with this offense in the NL, as long as the pitching can keep a staff ERA under 5.00, I think we have a chance.
Scott - Aaron Fultz is being released by the Indians. Any chance of a Welcome Back Fultz party being thrown at CBP?
regarding Lidge, I say since the first series is against Washington, it may be wise to give him 4 extra days of rest. Chances are we won't need the closer (hopefully!) against that team and even if we do, I think there is nothing to worry about to have Gordon close for week. Bring back Lidge on the weekend when he'll be needed more.
Hey Scott, this is a bit off topic, but could you tell your editor that Tampa Bay changed it's nickname to the "Rays" in November? Seems to me an editor would try to keep up with things. Kind of discouraging to see them listed as the Devil Rays in the paper copy.
King Myno: Doubtful. The Phillies didn't want to bring Fultz back last year, so I don't think they're interested now. I'll check, though.
Andrew: That's exactly how Lidge is thinking. "I'm hoping that we blow 'em out all three games," Lidge said. "Then, I won't feel like I missed anything."
George: Obviously, I've been away, so I haven't seen the 50-center for several weeks. I'll make sure to mention it. Old habits die hard, though. I know I've caught myself starting to type Devil Rays before hitting the delete key.
John: Keep the faith.
Paul W.: Good point about the perennial slow start. Charlie Manuel alluded to that last week when he threatened to have a team meeting to snap the Phillies out of their spring slump.
so the scouts say that the phillies don't have the arms to win the NL east again. but what do the mets have? hamels and myers are every bit of equal as pedro and johan. the mets don't have a 5th starter as well.
and while their offenses may be similiar, the phillies IS better and it is MUCH longer. the dog days of summer won't affect them as much as it will the mets.
delgado? alou? pedro? el duque? lo duca? come on, that team is OLD.
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