Unless you've just started following baseball, as in today, you know that Phillies closer Brad Lidge isn't just in the middle of a bad year, but a historically bad year. His 7.48 ERA is the highest in history for a pitcher with 30+ saves, eclipsing Shawn Chacon's 7.11 mark back in 2004. Depending on who you ask, Lidge either still is or no longer is the Phillies closer, and with the playoffs less than two weeks away, the team has a pretty significant decision to make.
The once mighty Lidge has blown a Major League worst 11 saves on the year, and his peripherals have all declined precipitously across the board. With $24.5MM left on his contract over the next two years, the defending World Champs have to hope he's just experiencing a hangover year following a deep run into the postseason. Luckily, they have a top notch setup man in Ryan Madson to fall back on.
Barring a miraculous rebound in the postseason, the Phillies will start the 2010 season with a major question mark at the back of the bullpen. Do you think the Phightin's should look into adding another end game reliever this offseason? The free agent pool features plenty of relievers with closer experience, but will Philly pony up for another top notch closer?
