News: The Astros' bullpen allowed only two hits in the final four innings Wednesday. With a three-run lead and a save situation, Brad Lidge came on the ninth, striking out a batter and allowing a hit and a wild pitch before being lifted against a lefty, which Trever Miller faced and retired. Dan Wheeler finished for his second save.
Analysis: Ut oh. This stinks of "bullpen by committee." Lidge should have been plenty capable of finishing this one on his own, but he didn't have his manager's confidence. That's not a good thing. Consider Lidge the primary closer if this is indeed a committee, but it's apparent everything isn't going through him now. Consider Wheeler an option for token save ops in deeper leagues that value the stat.
Lidge is entrenched because Houston's coach won't demote him. As the 123 inning a few nights ago shows. This is despite the fact most of the pitches were balls.
Almost doesn't matter if he had a 7 ERA b/c the coach is so loyal to his players. But maybe in a month, if Lidge can't start throwing strikes, things would finally change. Who knows...the fans are pretty upset they are still using him instead of forcing him to see a shrink.
At least Wheeler is looking good for ERA and WHIP help.
Everyone here still loves Lidge and wants him to keep his job - including Garner and Papura (the GM). I expect they will look to get a another reliever this offseason ayway, but if Lidge starts to turn it around then he will probably be given a chance next year too. As far as the rest of this season goes, he's still the guy barring a collapse of COLOSSAL proportions. If that does happen Wheeler will get the bulk, but likely not ALL of the opportunities.
wheeler had to come in again to save the game last night when Lidge couldn't. Granted he wasn't perfect, by walking in an inherited runner, but he was still able to save the game. is houston so fed up with lidge, that wheeler is the man now? or do we still wait and se?
spamnon wrote:wheeler had to come in again to save the game last night when Lidge couldn't. Granted he wasn't perfect, by walking in an inherited runner, but he was still able to save the game. is houston so fed up with lidge, that wheeler is the man now? or do we still wait and se?
I have been back and forth with Wheeler and Lidge - I dropped Lidge and grabbed Wheeler when that rumor came out that the owner ordered him traded - and then grabbed Lidge again when he got that save and dropped Wheeler - now, I am just going to stick with Lidge and wait until official word - if it turns out I miss grabbing Wheeler again..........
At this point, it really doesn't matter, Lidge is too inconsistent to risk making him a starter in a weekly fantasy lineup
Help me out here? : http://www.fantasybaseballcafe.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=2321827#2321827
I just took a shot on Wheeler. Been mixing and matching closers all year since I drafted Gagne and Benitez!!!!!! Ouch. I would love to see Lidge keep struggling!!!
spamnon wrote:wheeler had to come in again to save the game last night when Lidge couldn't. Granted he wasn't perfect, by walking in an inherited runner, but he was still able to save the game. is houston so fed up with lidge, that wheeler is the man now? or do we still wait and se?
I have been back and forth with Wheeler and Lidge - I dropped Lidge and grabbed Wheeler when that rumor came out that the owner ordered him traded - and then grabbed Lidge again when he got that save and dropped Wheeler - now, I am just going to stick with Lidge and wait until official word - if it turns out I miss grabbing Wheeler again..........
At this point, it really doesn't matter, Lidge is too inconsistent to risk making him a starter in a weekly fantasy lineup
you dont drop Lidge for Wheeler, thats just not smart baseball.
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by bosoxrock34 » Wed Aug 02, 2006 8:52 pm 
