Charlie Work

by ajay on Sep 10, 2009 9:28 AM EDT

Manuel never has been as one-dimensional as he has been depicted. Anybody who has been paying attention would have understood a couple of things. That winning is paramount. And that he's not scared to do what he thinks is best to reach that goal.

Those who don't believe that must have skipped class last year when he benched reigning MVP Jimmy Rollins twice, once for not running out a pop fly and once for arriving late for a game. Or earlier this season, when he took sentimental favorite Jamie Moyer out of the rotation.

From Hagen

I, just as much as anybody, cringed every time Charlie had Brad Lidge trot out there to blow another save over the past few months. But I mean the guy can't win, right? His loyalty is either what we celebrate or what we denigrate. But Charlie has yanked the plug, at least for now. Maybe he deserves a little more credit for his ability to change than we give him?

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Charlie does get credit...

Dajafi did a really good post about a month ago on how Charlie has successfully managed some very tough player and situational issues this season, including the Lidge conundrum. Personally, I though Charlie might have waited a little too long to go with someone else in an obvious save situation, but Brad is now on clear notice that he’s no longer automatically entitled to the ball in the 9th. I still think we’ll see him in save situations, but I agree with WC that we may be moving to a committee approach. For a good read, check out this post:

http://www.thegoodphight.com/2009/8/17/992097/managers-decision

by Boundforbeach on Sep 10, 2009 10:29 AM EDT reply actions

Is that an It's Always Sunny reference?

If so, well done.

And I agree with your point. I think we all understand and appreciate that Manuel has spent the better part of the season trying to get Lidge right, but I think that the fans have simply given up on that happening at this point. It looks as if Charlie has too, and that’s good for the team as a whole.

by PhillyFriar on Sep 10, 2009 1:01 PM EDT reply actions

Re: It's Always Sunny...

Yeah ;-)

by ajay on Sep 10, 2009 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Moyer

If I were Moyer…I’d have been going nuts about the treatment Lidge had received.
Jamie was ticked about getting demoted to the bullpen, as he’d said he’d been promised that wouldn’t happen, and while he was the least effective starter at the time, he was not atrocious (maybe close though).

With all the ‘loyalty’ Chollie demostrated for Lidge, Moyer is rightful to be incensed.

by Bilzo on Sep 10, 2009 7:52 PM EDT reply actions

Different situations...

There are 5 other starters, but only one guy who has shown he can close.

Madson struggled as the closer earlier this year, and I would not want to entrust Myers with that job already. A well-performing Lidge is the best option for that role, and I understand why Manuel would want to give him every opportunity to find his groove.

by schmenkman on Sep 11, 2009 9:03 AM EDT up reply actions