Comments on: Gameday: Mets (62-79) at Phillies (80-59)

By: Repeat!

Repeat! — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 05:46:13 +0000

1st off…at least you didn’t have a front row seat to the horror show as I did….The Bank went from a Rock concert to a scene from “Night of the living dead” in a blink of an eye…website auths…i’m starting to get real sick of your double standards w/some Phils…Ryan Howard made 2 late Es in the Nats serious..people went nuts..Chase fumbles the toss from rollins and then he drops the ball in the same game….and no one makes a sound…Blanton got rocked by the Nats for 8ers…but this site gave the Jeltz to Howard???Hmmmm.Chan Ho’s perf was much harder then Madson save in game 2 of that series. , But the site gave Madson the Ashburn…..Howard makes an untimely E this site goes nuts…Chase makes E same situation i.e. at Braves and the one against the Nats I just reff or Mets early..Silence…..Site monitor saying he has no faith in Howard.. A guy that patiently waited his turn due to the Thome deal..A player w/faults sure no ones perfect but if Howard’s Sept perf over the years aren’t clutch then I don’t what his…How about the three key bombs combined in WS games 3/4. That’s very jerk like and also unprofessional…I guess I see why the ” 700 level site gets way more respect than Phillies Nation. I like the posters on here, but some of the site keepers’ commt are blindly biased. Back to baseball. Charlie is well on his way to orch… the greatest collaspe since….2007….WTF is he doing with the pitching staff as a whole…Friday he left Cole in too long…And Jamie shoul not have been allowed to pitch into the 7th..But Charlie had no choice because he messed up so bad earlier….Charlie’s boneheaded mover w/pen and bench is going to have us watching the 09 playoffs w/o are beloved Phils…He is also going to get Brett reinjured b4 playoffs? We’ve been talking about T. Walker for several weeks now, but Chuck continues to allow his BP to be overused. Keep Myers in on Fri and with what would’ve beenn an xtra rest day, he would’ve blown the Mets hitters away in the 8th….Chan Ho is well overused…Sound familar…Yeah that’s right Charlie burned out Durbin before July in 08 and he hasn’t been the same since… As much as I want Brett to close;he’s not ready yet as far as his strength… is concerned. BUt him in as closer now, and I gurantee Myers blows his arm out. No way Brett should be pitching on cons days yet. Also wtf is up with bfran…Charlie just lets him rot for days and days on in…He should’ve pinch hit for Howard on thurs…and he should’ve pinch hit for Howard on Sat…We all know Howard can hit lefties cons…so by default Bfran would’ve been more favorable than Howard even agaisnt righties…Sat’s game was on Charlie….fri was almost as well..His stubborness or unwillingness to give T Walker a chance to close needs to be overuled by Amaro…NOW!! Brett had no business whatsoever being asked to pitch today…He’s been back, what a week and has been used more often than Walker has been used in several weeks. His refusable to do away w/3 lefties in a row is bleeping insane… In 07 Charlie was wrongly crti.. for his handling of the bp against the Rockies…That Phils BP was garbage and Charlie had very few options…Last year Charlie didn’t have to manage the BP very much as J.C. Mad-dog and Lidge did it own their own…If he lets go of Lidge and again give Walker a chance it may surprisingly stablize the back in of the Pen as it would be J.C/Eyre, Madson/a not over used Chan HO/Condrey then Walker. Chan Ho would be our version of the Wildcat as he can relf pitch in all of the 6th/7th/8th….and either Happ or Pedro would be the more solid long relief guy…We finally get several hits w/risp…and we still loose…Charlie thinks that once/if Phils make the post season that everything will magicaly fall into place like last year.. Our BP is plenty deep enough to complete for a “back-to-back” Champs w/o Lidge…Ruben pull Uncle Chuck into your office and get this BP straightened out.. Sorry for the novel and the probable 1,000 grammar mistakes..But I had to get this off my chest…I could give a rats *ss about the Eagles right now….The Philies are that ended the drought take that “golden standard” of empty trophy cases… Good Nite

By: j reed

j reed — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 04:16:27 +0000

Ed R. – thanks for your comment. I typically believe it is best to elimate what can be measured and quantified by the physical, and statisitical evidence before opting for psychology. I by no means underestimate its importance in sports, in fact, at higher levels of performance where the physical talent is on a more even playing field, it is what distinguishes the best from the rest. It is one of the intangibles that makes the Phillies who they are and is often underestimated by others esp. the odds makers and pre-season soothsayers. Its also something that Manuel has a real grasp of (not so much when a pitcher struggles). Because psychology is more interpretative it is harder to assess esp. from my tv set….There a little more speculation invovled. So, once I’ve eliminated everything else then the problem is most likely behavioral. Also I believe people are to quick to play pop psychologist (perhaps not in Lidge’s case) and it often used by bad analysts and bad coaches to hide behind lazy thinking and incompentence. This trickles down to the fans who start speculating about players personal lives. The end result, 610 WIP. With Lidge, I was wondering whether the he had an unsolved problem with technique which caused the bad performance and the bad performance in turn cause the mental distress. Regardless he needs to sit. I think the stress of the closer stituation can cause a sort of post tramatic stress when things go bad…the extra adrendaline etches the neural pathways deeper than usual and this in turn reinforces whatever neuromuscular pathways were there at the present. (bad muscle memory). So even if the mechanics were corrected anytime soon, those neural pathways are still strong and in the same save scenario would override the newly formed neural pathways created by corrected mechanics. I think of it as like having a virus that you eliminate from your files but not the registry of a PC. the best medicine is to avoid the original stressor until that pathway’ s signal is to weak to overtake the new one. Madson also…allowing him to get shell shocked once every 2 or 3 save opps. is asking for it and will ultimately affect him in his set-up roll. I also think lidge will benefit by the two-seamer he’s been working on. Another weapon in the arsenal will keep batters more off balance. I think a split finger FB would really work well with his slider but I’ve heard you need large, strong fingers to throw one. His hands look small. Plus that might put too much strain on the elbow. Thanks again. Let’s just hope Kendrick’s sinkerball is sinking and that new change-up works or it’s gonna be the ugly start tomorrow and a bull pen with alot of ice on those sholuders by the end of the double header.

By: Keeg

Keeg — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 02:37:24 +0000

dude. i hate people saying “they just have to get this slumping out of the way, then they can get hot towards the end of the season!”

NO.

they’ve been slumping since the middle-end of August. if its not the freaking lackluster starting pitching from Lee and Hamels, and now Blanton apparently, its the bats go completely dead. and then when both get on the same page (as in today, for the most part, after that first inning), the bullpen completely chokes and kills us.

this team can’t get on the same page, and hasn’t been able to in quite some time. thats not good. thats what i’m worried about.

By: Baseballbriefs.com

Baseballbriefs.com — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 01:22:04 +0000

Baseballbriefs.com tracking back Gameday: Mets (62-79) at Phillies (80-59)…

Baseballbriefs.com tracking back Gameday: Mets (62-79) at Phillies (80-59)…

By: JoeBlow

JoeBlow — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 00:29:50 +0000

Hey someone wanna tell the GREAT RAULLLLLLLLLLLL….its 3 outs …what was he thinking …juice must be getting in the way….thinking slows down at times….I’m feeling the same way most do….oh they’ll make the playoffs but thats it….a one and done….

By: Ed R.

Ed R. — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 00:26:26 +0000

j-reed, I did read over your post and I would say that it is very on point. I would say I am impressed but I fear that would come of as somewhat demeaning. So instead I will summarily say that you are very right in that Lidge’s motion is completely jacked up. Is it because he is injured? Personally I think so. A guy does not have a season like he did last year, which was a fluke, but regardless, you don’t pitch that well and then change your motion unless there is a reason. Changing how you are going to pitch, say going from a power pitcher, think Pedro of the late 90′s to a finesse pitcher, think Pedro today, or you change your mechanics unconsciously, usually because you are trying to offset pain. In this case, Lidge’s mechanics are noticeably different.

You are right, he is leaning towards first base which is not only changing where he releases the ball as his arm slot is slightly lowered but it is also changing when he releases the ball. A slight alteration in an arm slight will yield a slight, change in delivery time. Now mind you we are talking hundredths of a second, but considering how fast it takes for his pitches to go from his hand to the plate, hundredths of a second matters in the grand scheme of things.

This change in delivery has forced pitches to either low in the zone thus wild pitches and balls, or hang in the zone because he tries too hard to get some lift on the ball in hopes of getting the proper drop. It makes sense being as that his main out pitcher is a slider, which for him drops low and in to lefties and low and away to righties. The problem is that his pitches can not find the happy medium. They either hit the dirt or they hit the outfield seats after someone turns on it and drives it out of the park.

At this point with Lidge, it was mechanical, it still is but more so, it is mental. The mechanics can be fixed, heck it could even be done this year but to really make the fix, properly it takes longer than 3-4 weeks. However what can not be changed, not in 3 weeks is his mentality. As most anyone paying attention has noticed, Lidge looks lost even before he steps on the mound. He is a fragile person. That doesn’t make him an ineffective closer it just means that his manager needs to recognize when he is struggling sooner. I can not speak for Lidge but I can tell you from personal experience. When I was brought in to nail a game down and was struggling I would rather my manager take me out and try and get someone else to do the job rather than blow the game.

I can remember times, though they were few and far between where I would sit in the dugout watching, hoping and praying that the guy the manager brought in to finish the game because I couldn’t would pick me up. In the end, it wasn’t about me, it was about the team and thats how I approached it. I think Lidge looks at it the same way, but I don’t think Charlie realizes that. I feel like Charlie is so afraid to hurt someones feelings and confidence that it overshadows what should be perfectly justifiable decisions by a manager. Would you rather get pulled and hope a guy cleans up your mess or would you rather blow it entirely for your team? It’s a team game, and although a closer may be the last line of defense, they are still part of a bigger picture.

I fully expect Lidge to be back next year as the closer, and with a vengeance but as for this year, its time for him to take a seat and let someone else who can be more effective jump on the train and help us in the playoffs because Lidge can not.

By: Phan in Tn

Phan in Tn — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 00:16:26 +0000

no Grumpy Miner bashing, folks. He’s a gentleman and a decent fellow.

on another note: I stepped out to cut my grass and my Phils were winning. whats up with that?

By: j reed

j reed — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 23:50:12 +0000

Someone talked about Wright with only 8 HR this year…he spent the majority of the year with Beltran behind him…look at what Matt Holiday has done for the MACHINE…he’s that much more scary now

By: j reed

j reed — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 23:44:33 +0000

Ed R. – I would too..besides what’s it gonna hurt at this point. Other post season contenders are smelling blood in the water. It’s also not just his stats. Walker’s stuff has just looked the best of late. Also I think all those innings the pen was subjected to when the starting rotation hemorraged early this year is catching up. Really think the front office was lax in regards to the bull pen. If you have time check out dipsy’s post on lidge…I wrote something about lidge’s mechanics…as a ex-pitcher I was wondering what you thought.

By: Keith

Keith — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 23:41:03 +0000

this site can sure get annoying when the Phillies lose. it’s kinda sad. oh well.

By: NM

NM — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 23:38:41 +0000

# JasonB Says:
September 12th, 2009 at 7:33 pm

Yeah, keep laughing Mets fan as you wallow close to the basement.

good i hope we do… would kill for a top 5 pick!

By: GWFightinsFan

GWFightinsFan — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 23:37:54 +0000

Alright calm down everyone…yes it was a tough loss, yes they’re been struggling lately, and yes they have problems with their bullpen and their clutch hitting lately….but still, they’re in a much better position now then they were this time last year..and let’s face it, this is a team that can get hot and gets cold…so better to get the cold streak outta the way now, and then they can get hot just in time for the playoffs…its all a cycle

By: NM

NM — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 23:36:19 +0000

grrrrrrump your a joke.

By: NM

NM — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 23:35:36 +0000

as much as it would be nice to see the mets tank for a top 5 or 6 draft pick next year, i cant help but smile when i see the team come back and rip apart the philly bullpen :)

if i were a philly fan i would be worried – your bullpen is terrible, and you know it is when you are talking about chan ho park MAYBE having a shot to close games…

By: Grrrumpy Miner

Grrrumpy Miner — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 23:35:24 +0000

Shut up Mets fan……as a fellow Amazins fan,we have absolutely nothing to be proud of this season.I was hoping some diluted Mets fans would leave well enough alone and shut up.

By: joedad

joedad — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 23:35:06 +0000

Georgie, good question (Is Werth high?). He looked lost today

By: Trout Boy

Trout Boy — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 23:33:56 +0000

It’s over. This team will not make the playoffs. Even if they squeak in, they are one and done. Can’t really do much when you don’t have anyone that can close out a game. Nope, not “jumping off a cliff”, just being realistic. They are playing lousy ball against a bunch of sub 500 teams…3-7 in last ten? Seriously? WTF? It’s the same silliness now every night with this club now. No relief pitching, horrible with RISP (nice K in the 8th there Howard), shoddy defense. Been like this for too much of the season for this to just be slump. Really a sorry state of affairs.

By: j reed

j reed — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 23:33:32 +0000

jt-
francona only pitches Papelbond two days in a row…such is the way for some fireballers. The speed they pitch at, coupled with the stress of the stituation can use too much of the body’s “fight or flight” neurotransmitters (adrenlaline) needed to fire those fast twitch muscle fibers in their pitching arm.

By: Ed R.

Ed R. — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 23:33:29 +0000

Thanks J-reed for that article clip about Walker. I have been signing his praises and Madson’s effort tonight only furthers my belief that Madson should not be the closer. He is more valuable in the 8th inning. He can not close. He has the stuff and he does not have the mental make up. I know I could never manage a baseball team, not a pro team anyway but I know pitchers, especially relievers as I spent many years around them. Walker has what it takes to be a closer. Would he be Rivera or K-Rod or Papelbon? No. But he would be better than the 09 Lidge and Madson of any year. I will put money on it.

By: JasonB

JasonB — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 23:33:11 +0000

Yeah, keep laughing Mets fan as you wallow close to the basement.