Time to make a temporay change for Phils closer roll

Something is wrong with Brad Lidge.

The manager and pitching coach say the Phillies closer is throwing well. However, the results would say otherwise.

Lidge blew his second save in as many days against the New York Yankees today. Luckily, the Phillies hung on for an extra inning win to take two-of-three from the previously red-hot Yanks.

Lidge has blown four saves in 12 chances this season after going 48-for-48 on their way to a championship last year.

I can understand a bad game here and there, but with an ERA of 9.15, the Phillies need to make a change.

Now, I am not saying they should make a permanent move. At the same time, they can't afford to lose games, especially late. Lidge needs some work in less important situations.

The Phillies should use Ryan Madson in the closer roll on a temporary basis until Lidge proves he can get outs without allowing runs.

They should have taken all three from the Yankees this weekend and instead came close to losing two of those games.

The Phillies can ill afford to give up leads and lose games with how tight the NL East will be come September.

It's time for Lidge to step out of the closer roll for a little while.