When you think of the Philadelphia Phillies, you likely first think about their imposing lineup. But the team’s pitching is going to have to be stellar if the team is going to win back-to-back World Series championships. On Friday against the New York Mets, the team’s pitching unit looked very good as the Phillies won 4-2.
To start the game, Cole Hamels went 6.2 strong innings — allowing only one earned run while striking out six. Chan Ho Park and Brett Myers set the table for the new closer Ryan Madson. Madson, who has replaced Brad Lidge as the closer, pitched …read more

Last season, Brad Lidge was a giant part to the Philadelphia Phillies as the team captured the 2008 World Series title. He was perfect in save opportunities and his dominance at the end of games made the Phillies extremely dangerous with a lead.
This season has been almost the exact opposite for Lidge. He has ten blown saves to go along with an ERA of 7.15 and a record of 0-7. That Lidge is still the Phillies’ closer despite how poorly he has pitched this year is a testament to how much manager Charlie Manuel believes in him. However, his patience …read more