Everybody (Still) Hates Charlie

by taco pal on Oct 2, 2008 3:45 PM EDT Comment 8 comments

Charlie's been getting a lot of love from the crowds at CBP of late, but I've got to tell you, both the radio shows and the blogs and bulletin boards in town have just been all over him for replacing Hamels with Lidge for the ninth yesterday.

Frankly, I wanted Charlie to keep Hamels in yesterday. But Charlie's decision wasn't unreasonable and the level of outrage around town is just totally absurd.

1. The Phillies won the game!

2. A common argument being made is that Lidge shouldn't have pitched because he's been struggling lately, while Hamels was cruising. To that I would say: If you're not going to use Lidge in a game where you have a three-run lead, when are you ever going to use him? Isn't that the ideal situation for using a struggling closer? Should we only bring him in when we have a six-run lead, Clay Condrey-style?

3. Another common argument is that we shouldn't have used Lidge because he won't be effective for tonight's game when we might really need him. This, of course, contradicts the argument in #2 above. If you don't trust Lidge to be effective, how does it help matters to save him for a game when you have an even greater need for him to be effective?

4. No one should ever complain about Hamels getting extra rest that doesn't cost the Phils a win. This is irrespective of whether his next start is in Game 4, Game 5, or in the NLCS. Hamels has pitched a lot of innings and needs as must rest as possible. He was worn down toward the end of the regular season even without ever pitching on short rest.

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It was a questionable decision, and I would have liked it if he’d gone the other way, but clearly there was cause to do it the way he did.

The biggest reason I’m glad I don’t live there is that it almost totally protects me from talk radio. And while I haven’t looked at all that many blogs today, I don’t remember any of the ones I did check out taking Manuel to task.

by dajafi on Oct 2, 2008 4:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I was thinking more of commenters/callers, and more bulletin boards than blogs. Should have been clearer. I occasionally like to delve into the philly.com boards because I’m a masochist.

by taco pal on Oct 2, 2008 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sound analysis…I agree.

Maybe I’m crazy, but I think Philly fans (myself included) are not well equipped to handle the perfection that Lidge has displayed this year. As devoted fans of this tortured team, we just assume that Lidge’s streak will come to an end when it cripples us most (I just knocked on wood).

As Cholly himself stated yesterday:
"It’s going to happen," he said. "He’s not going to be perfect forever. You just hope it isn’t soon."

by Steve Jeltz on Oct 2, 2008 4:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That could be. By the way, sorry about insulting you in my comment from this morning, Jet. Are you still wearing the jheri curl these days?

by taco pal on Oct 2, 2008 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Things have been a little slow since my role as the Soul Glow pitchman in Coming to America.

by Steve Jeltz on Oct 2, 2008 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well said

I agree w/ Jeltz. Everytime Lidge runs to the hill, I hope for Tug McGraw, but am terrified it’s gonna be Wild Thing……

When in doubt, veer left....

by philly420pdxhilo on Oct 3, 2008 5:16 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Going to Lidge was the right move there. I have no problem with any releiver coming in during the 9th to protect a 3 run lead. Heck, Happ would have likely gotten the job done. The key is Hamels. The kid has pitched 227 innings during the regular season and you need him for a, hopefully, long playoff run. If the game is tied or the Phils are in a game 5 situation, possibly different scenario. The Phillies liklihood of winning that game, without even looking it up, had to be north of 95%. You take Hamels out there, don’t overstrain him and keep him as fresh for the next game.

I am not a fan of Charlie much at all, but he was doing the right job managing for the playoffs rather than the game which had all been wrapped up and won.

For Who? My teammates.

For What? To Win.

How Much? Where do I sign?

by jonk on Oct 3, 2008 8:08 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Pujols

If im not mistaking, Lidge’s last post season appearance was that monster bomb by Pujols. I dont mind bringing in Lidge with a decent cushion to get that loss from his mind. They just wanted to make sure he wasnt too rattled when it was a really close situation.

by PhillyBruin on Oct 7, 2008 1:48 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs