Even after a great day for Philly sports, with the Phillies taking two from the Mets and the Eagles winning big down in Carolina, the Phillies still have a major problem on their hands.
Who the hell is going to come in games when they’re winning and finish out the game?
Notice how I didn’t say “close out the game.” I’ve come to the conclusion that the “save” stat is bullshit. When a pitcher gets a save in a 30-3 game, you know it’s a bullshit stat.
There shouldn’t be one designated person that comes into games and ends them. There should be more thought put into it then that. Depending on the batters coming up in the inning, the manager should go with whoever has the best chance of getting those batters out.
With the surplus of pitchers that the Phillies have in their bullpen, it is a perfect time to go with a “closer by committee.” Charlie Manuel shouldn’t have to pick between Brad Lidge, Ryan Madson, or Brett Myers when a save situation presents itself. He should be able to pick any of his pitchers that will get the job done.
Brad Lidge has had his struggles this year, and even struggled a bit in getting the save in the first game against the Mets, giving up two runs, but getting the save. He just hasn’t been the same pitcher he was last season, but he has shown flashes of his former self at times. Take the “closer” designation off of him and tell him he’ll pitch when Manuel thinks he gives the team the best chance to win. I’ve been a Lidge supporter all season, but he just hasn’t been handling the pressure this season as well as last season. Take some pressure off and let others take a few cracks at closing.
Ryan Madson continues to prove he isn’t the team’s answer at closer. He blew yet another save in the first game of the Mets series, but got the save in the nightcap of the doubleheader. Madson has continually struggled when handled the closer’s duties. I don’t know what it is, but he just hasn’t been able to get the job done. He’s been great in the setup role, but hasn’t been able to translate that success to the 9th inning. Based on his track record, I don’t think he ever will.
Brett Myers has had success as a closer, but hasn’t been pitching that great since coming back from hip surgery. He is only supposed to be pitching out of the bullpen for the rest of the season, so he’s one of the available pitchers for Cholly to use in a save situation. He’s done it before, so it’s not out of the question to ask him to do it again.
There’s also Tyler Walker, who has been a closer for the Giants in the past. J.C. Romero has the mental makeup you look for in a traditional closer.
What it boils down to is the fact that the Phillies don’t need to have one person designated as the closer. Take whoever matches up the best and who has been pitching well lately and throw them out there.
If the Phillies don’t get the back end of their bullpen straightened out, it’s going to be a short postseason.
