Brad Lidge has been far from "Lights Out" so far this season and the most recent showing came Saturday evening as Lidge gave up a solo shot to Rafael Furcal to tie up the game in the bottom of the 9th. Saturday marked the second day in a row that Lidge was brought in to close out a one run lead and the second day in a row he walked away with a blown save--he now has 6. So what do we do? Charlie Manuel has been adamant in keeping Lidge in the closer role and refusing to consider other options. Well, Charlie, maybe its time to do that. Lidge has shown that he doesn't have the stuff he had in 2008 and is no longer the reliable option you once had.
The most reasonable option seems to be move Lidge to the 8th inning role for a couple of weeks and give Ryan Madson a chance to close. Give him time to clear his head, but still be able to go out and pitch and build up his confidence--then give him one last chance after the All-Star break and hope he returns to form. If not, well let's just hope Madson can turn the lights back off.
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