The word “struggling” is an understatement for closer Brad Lidge. He has blown four saves in twelve opportunities, including two in a row. He is 0-2 and his earned run average soared over nine.
He has allowed 2.08 walks and hits per innings pitched and opponents are batting .337 against the right hander. Runners have already stole five bases off him. Last year they stole a total of eight.
His fastball velocity reaches 94-95 mph. He says he is healthy. He is not tipping his pitches. So, what is wrong with Brad Lidge?
His location hasn’t been off by much, but he isn’t throwing as many pitches for strikes, indicated in his walk totals. Batters are taking pitches. When he is behind in the count and throws a slider, a chase pitch, batters lay off since he isn’t throwing it for strikes.
Or, is it a confidence factor? After blowing one save, “perfection” is gone. Maybe all he needs is one 1-2-3 save to get back to a confident mindset.
Despite his hard-to-watch struggles, after last season, he deserves fan support.
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