Brad Lidge is out as closer

[Another Blown Save]

Brad Lidge is out as closer

Brad Lidge, who blew the save on opening day and struggled on Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals, has been removed as closer. Dan Wheeler is the new closer. Chad Qualls and Rick White are now the main setup guys.

"I'm going to change the bullpen configuration a little bit," Phil Garner said. "Brad is not going to close as a general rule. There may be a situation where I may o it, but as of right now I'm going to pitch him earlier in the game, sixth inning area, sixth-seventh inning area 'cause I want to pitch him more often, give him more consistent work. As it stands right now I'll probably close with Wheeler, set up with Qualls and White.

"If I use those guys to get to the ninth inning we should have the lead. There might be an occasion when I close with Brad."

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[Young 8]

ah ah


Now i'm waiting for bigh0rt answer

[bosox58]

yeah i'm trying to move lidge now too..after seeing papelbon's performance against the rangers last night, i am confident i have a closer in him; so long as he stays healthy.....Altought the previous year's numbers still prove lidge as a legit closer, the decision to remove him as closer is just not boding well for lidge...wheeler is in

[avsfan4ever33]

I was really surprised... sure, he's looked awful so far, but we're only a week in.

I picked up Wheeler in the two league he was available in for me.

[Young 8]

1-2-3 for Wheeler

[KoopaTroopa211]

This is why Lidge was on my DND on draft day: he's had issues, and with Wheeler backing him up Garner won't hesitate to make the switch.

[dc928]

I avoid Lidge on my draft date too, I think he is get serious issues, I think he needs to leave Houston and start fresh. I mean he is get great stuff. He strike out more than 1 batter per inning, I guess that Albert Pujos HR really takes the life out of him.

[JMoney]

I just dropped zumaya for wheeler but I was thinking of dropping chad cordero instead due to the nationals never having a chance.....bad choice or a good one??? whatcha think

I think that wheeler will be a better choice due to getting a chance to get saves over zumaya but i want some input guys/gals

C R. Martin
1B A. Gonzalez
2B B. Phillips
3B A. Ram
SS Rollins
OF Crawford
OF Berkman
OF D. Young
UT Fielder
B Teahen


SP Sheets
SP Harden
P Wheeler
P Hoffman
P Cordero
RP Rodriguez
RP Ryan
B Wainright
B Bush
B Capuano
B Burnett

[jvmillion83]

I'm not shocked. Lidge has been brutal since he gave up that grand slam to Nomar last season. He was brutal during ST and fell apart in his 2 appearances at start of this season. It was only a matter of time. Smart move Garner.

[Tenacious D-Store]

Ligde won't even be used as a setup man according to Garner. Looks like thier patience has run out with him.

"I'm going to change the bullpen configuration a little bit," manager Phil Garner said. "Brad is not going to close as a general rule. ... As of right now I'm going to pitch him earlier in the game, sixth inning area, sixth-seventh inning area 'cause I want to pitch him more often, give him more consistent work. As it stands right now I'll probably close with Wheeler, set up with [Chad] Qualls and [Rick] White." It had to be done. Lidge's fastball is still there, so he could turn things around if he gets his head on straight. In the meantime, Wheeler will likely do a fine job saving games.