Perfect Timing
By Kevin K

With the return of Brad Lidge to the Phillies bullpen tonight it is now Ryan Madson's turn to hit the DL. Madson was placed on the 15 day DL today for a broken right toe.

Now could you believe what the Phillies would have to do at closer if Madson and Lidge were both on the DL at the same time? They would be going closer by committee, which seems to never work. Maybe they could have brought back the all time saves leader, Jose Mesa? Wow it was definitely perfect timing for a return for Brad Lidge or else this bullpen would go from bad to worse.

Right now the bullpen has cost the Phillies some games, and, as I said in the preseason, is the key to the Phillies winning another World Series.

Left Handed Reliever Antonio Bastardo, who was optioned to Triple-A as soon as Lidge was activated, is now back on the Phillies roster and in their bullpen tonight, as Kyle Kendrick gets ready for the division rival Mets tonight.

Closer Back Tonight
By Kevin K

After two blown saves by Ryan Madson this week, the Phillies get the closer back. Brad Lidge is returning to the Phillie bullpen tonight as left handed Antonio Bastardo was optioned to Triple A- Lehigh Valley.

Lidge was placed on the DL on March 26 to give him more time to recover from offseason surgery on his right elbow. The 33-year-old right-hander then made eight rehab appearances for the Phillies' Class A, Double-A and Triple-A affiliates, posting a 5.19 ERA but tossing seven scoreless innings over his past six outings.

On Tuesday Lidge proclaimed himself as "ready to go".

After a perfect 2008 for Lidge, he blew 11 saves last season for the Phillies.

In my opinion, Brad Lidge is a much better option for the Phillies at closer then Madson, mainly because Madson isn't a closer. Madson's head is much more suited for the 8th inning then the 9th. Another option at closer that the Phillies haven't looked at yet this year is Baez.

Phillies play the New York Mets this weekend in the 3 game series. If Brad Lidge comes out for the save on Sunday Night, when I am there, I will be giving him a standing ovation, excited to see him come back and take the ball in the 9th that is not Ryan Madson.