“Swing and a miss and the Phillies are 2008 World Series champions,” said the late Harry Kalas in a broadcast that no one but Phillies’ fans heard.
When Brad Lidge struck out Tampa’s Eric Hinske on a down and away slider, Lidge finished up a 48-for-48 save opportunities and won the Phillies the 2008 World Series.
At least Cooch will be part of the next Phillies' championship. For Brad Lidge, signing with the Nationals ended his Phillies' career.
Good times. Good memories.
Time to move on.
From the Phillies landscape, the following are been traded, released, in limbo and in some cases, died: Wilson Valdez, Roy Oswalt, Raul Ibanez, Brad Lidge, Ryan Madson and former Phillies’ announcer Andy Musser.
Coming into town are Jonathan Papelbon, Jim Thome (for a second time), Dontrell Willis, Laynce Nix and Ty Wiggington.
Health concerns were the main reason the Phillies let Lidge go. Besides, where would he fit?
Seventh inning guy? Many others could do that job.
“We have some question marks in our bullpen,” Manuel said. “But at the same time, we always have one or two guys a year that come into their own and they throw better than they usually have. Right now, I’m not really concerned about all that.”
Likely candidates include Michael Stutes, Justin DeFrastis and Jose Contreras.
With a rotation of Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels and Vance Worley, and a backend of the bullpen that includes Antonio Bastardo and Papelbon, pitching should not be a big concern of the Phillies.
Producing runs should be the biggest concern of the 2012 Phillies.
Ryan Howard is realistically not expected back until May.
Lance Nix and Jim Thome may fill in at first and perhaps John Mayberry Jr. until Howard returns.
Wiggington could spell Polanco at third and Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley have to stay healthy for the Phillies to come out of April with more wins than losses.
For Lidge, the memory of the World Series is etched upon our minds.
Thanks, Brad. Good luck with the Nationals
See you on the Phillies’ Wall of Fame.
