Now – let’s talk about Lidge for a sec. Is he a BUM? Total loser? Worthless? Ehhh, OK this year yeah he looks like he’s been donkey punched while getting dirty sanchezed, but the guy isn’t a *bum*. We, Philadelphians, have a ring and much of that is from Lidge himself. As far as THIS year is concerend, I’m on the band-Lidge-bandwagon. This is remarkably frustrating, watching Lidge pitch so erratically. I hate having to feel aggravated knowing he’s coming out to “close” a game. 25% of the time he closes the door on his own team. Lidge now has 10 blown saves, 7 which were losses (with 25 + games remaining). Extrapolate that to a playoff series – in a 5 game series the Phillies will lose one full game, or put the opposing team in a winning position, due to Lidge. In a 7 game series it’s 2 lost games. Bear in mind the Phillies will most likely lose a game or two where there are no save opportunities. Also consider his performance in the post season with the Astros – there is historical precedence to back these numbers up. So what are we left with? CHP is out (but man is he awesome in nearly every first inning he’s in). Cholly would never do it, as he hasn’t used Ho as a closer yet, and we ALL know how flexible Cholly is to new ideas. Madsen? Punch me in the face – no Madsen. What about Meyers? He’s been nearly lights out in his recent appearances in AAA, and showed compusure tonight with a runner on (something Lidge hasn’t done all effing season). Cholly sticks with his horses – it’s just his way – but the Lidge ordeal comes down to simple math. Hopefully the front office will really think this one through and consider Meyers as the closer. But it has to be sooner than later – Meyers needs to be in playoff shape.