PITTSBURGH – Charlie Manuel approached Brad Lidge in a quiet clubhouse, minutes after the Phillies’ closer blew his ninth save of the season tonight.  “Stay in there,” the manager said. “Hang with it.”  What else could Manuel do but offer support after Andrew McCutchen’s two-run homer in the ninth inning gave Pittsburgh a 6-4 win? What can anyone say or do about Lidge at this point in a season that refuses to stabilize? The questions are old and the answer is the same. “He’s our closer,” Manuel said. “I’ve said it all over the place. That’s the guy who we’ve got.”  Lidge’s friends in the bullpen are also at a loss. The Phils’ relievers are a tight and supportive group, but as Scott Eyre said after the game, “There are no magic words. You can only walk by and tap him on the shoulder, and say, ‘Hey, get ‘em tomorrow.’ “

“WHAT THE FUCK”! That is what all of Philadelphia said Tuesday night when Andrew McCutchen hit that homer off Lidge in the bottom of the 9th inning.  I mean come on Brad.  What the hell happened to the Lights out Lidge we knew and loved last year? I don’t know where that guy went, but I do agree with Charlie Manuel 110%.  Lidge is their guy and he is the best option.  However from a fans point of few I can tell you first hand I am not going to be comfortable with a 1 or 2 run lead heading into the ninth inning of a game in the playoffs this fall. 

-ITALIAN STALLION