Unsung Lidge Deserves Cy Young Votes
Posted by Tim Malcolm, Fri, September 19, 2008 10:21 AM | Comments: 55
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Lost in the conversation about Ryan Howard’s resurgence, Brett Myers’ comeback and other hot-hitting and -pitching Phillies is Brad Lidge. It’s as if we’ve taken him for granted — we know he’s doing his thing back there, saving every game, keeping things running strong.
Well it’s time to show him apt appreciation. One poster questioned Lidge’s candidacy for a Cy Young award. Frankly, he’s on my short list. While boy-wonder Tim Lincecum has been sparkling for the Giants, he’s nowhere near a pennant race. And while CC Sabathia has been a few pitches short of perfect for the Brewers, he came into the National League a bit late. Guys such as Brandon Webb, Edinson Volquez, Johan Santana and our own Cole Hamels have been fantastic, but why not vote for a guy who’s been perfect in his role?
Lidge has thrown 65.1 innings this season, just a shade off from his average (which he’ll likely hit on the head by the last game). He’s 38 for 38 in save chances, slinging a 1.93 ERA with 84 strikeouts. The 84:32 K:BB ratio isn’t bad, either.
What most impresses me is how quickly Lidge has turned talk from “will he bounce back?” to “will he be perfect?” And how he’s shrugged off the pressure talk, going out there every night and shutting down everyone.
We spend so much time waxing about slumps and what-ifs and injuries and trades that when there’s something this good going, we tend to brush it aside. Now it’s time to recognize Lidge, maybe, this team’s true MVP.
Posts: 0 Georgie
I don’t see how you can say a closer isn’t as important to your team as a starter, I mean really, think about what Lidge has done. Every time he’s come in for at least the last few weeks I think , holy crap, can he really do this again? It’s so incredible, and without him, that’s potentially 30+ games they could have lost. Plus the pressure of being a closer must be huge, the whole game is on your shoulders. Unlike a starter, you don’t have a couple more innings to right a wrong, if you mess up you’re probably screwed.
ROCK STARS FOR THE CY YOUNG!!!
Posted: 02:21 PM on September 19, 2008
Posts: 0 christopher
if you are considering sabathia you have to consider myers too, which I don’t think is fair to the pitchers who have been great all season long: webb, lincecum, and lidge. in my mind it comes down to those three, and i’d have a hard time saying which one deserves the cy young. it should be close though.
Posted: 03:20 PM on September 19, 2008
Posts: 0 Amanda
In my opinon, a Cy Young Award shouldn’t go to anybody who only pitched like 65 innings a year, or around that mark.
Yes, Lidge has been awesome. Cy Young? No.
Tim Linecum is my Cy choice.
Relief Man of the Year for Lidge? Yes, possibly.
Posted: 04:21 PM on September 19, 2008
Posts: 0 Tyler
He definitely has to receive some votes, but not the wild card.
I know people might thing I’m being basis, but I think Johan will receive a lot voted. Although he only has 14 wins, the bullpen has blown 6 of his wins. Not to mention, he does have a 2.65 ERA.
Posted: 07:08 PM on September 19, 2008
Posts: 0 Holger Danske
Did somebody suggest that we get David DeJesus to bat third? Dude’s got 42 career home runs.
Posted: 11:11 PM on September 20, 2008