Phillies Nation

18 Responses to “NLDS Preview Part II : Relief Pitching”

1. Mike T. Says:
   September 29th, 2008 at 8:13 pm

   i think neither team has the upper hand here. i still think lidge blows one in the playoffs – he’s just about due.

2. Richie Allen Says:
   September 29th, 2008 at 8:16 pm

   I think we have the bullpen to win this thing…The big question is whats goin on in Myers coconut now…Will we get.. behind door #1.a great outing..,or door #2 a lackluster performance?
   This is the time for him to show us that he has that big game performance in his bag..

3. Greg B Says:
   September 29th, 2008 at 8:34 pm

   I agree this post-season is every opportunity for guys like Hamels and Myers to show their grit and merit.
   Which offense are we going to see? Utley/Howard have a lot to prove after last years series as well.

4. PhillyGirlinMichigan Says:
   September 29th, 2008 at 9:11 pm

   Everyone gives big kudos to Lidge and often forgets how good the rest of our BP is. Yes, Lidge has been great- but look at how razor-sharp Durbin was most of the year. He stranded countless guys in scoring position by getting double plays. Madson started off a bit shaky this year but has been dominant lately. Even Condrey has had a great year compared to most white flag guys in the leauge. I think he may actually see some important innings in the playoffs. Overall much better crew than last year and our record in the late innings shows it.

   Seems starters are “allowed” to give up some runs, yet the relievers never get much room for error. Fans hammer them when they allow a run – but overlook them when they do their job (especially when they’re not the “closer”).

   OK – off my “respect the lowly MR’s soapbox” – Regarding the upcoming series, its key that they’re finally getting some rest so hopefully Romero & Durbin will be back to their “dim the lights” selves. At least Durbin’s past few games went pretty well so there’s hope w/him. Romero will bounce back as well I’m sure as he’s got experience in these big games and has had several days off. Its actually Lidge that worries me a bit. I just hope the pressure doesn’t get to him. Unlike everyone else, I’m not sold… almost…

   Go Phils!!! At least I can WATCH this time! TBS doesn’t suck like Fox does…

5. Dan Says:
   September 29th, 2008 at 10:06 pm

   Hi All,
   As a Brewers fan, I’d like to say thanks for the blog, it’s an easy way to familiarize myself with the Phillies.
   I can give you a bit more info on our bullpen. First, Riske is hurt, had surgery, and will not be on the roster. I would guess either Dillard or DeFelice would take his spot. Both are decent, but inexperienced.
   For innings 7 and 8, it will most likely be Gagne and Mota, in that order. As of late, they’ve been pitching well, but much like it seems you have a problem with Myers, it’s the same thing with both of these guys. Who knows which side of each will be on the mound on any given night.
   Shouse and Stetter have been solid, Shouse particularly good at keeping inherited runners from scoring. Stetter is inconsistant, but should make the post season roster.
   McClung has been stellar as of late. He does sometimes have trouble to start outings. I’m not sure if that’s due to bouncing between starting and the bullpen, or what the problem is. We traded Grant Balfour to the Rays for McClung last year, and so far it’s a trade that’s worked out for both teams.
   Torres has done WAY more then what he signed up for, but he is 36, and is obviously getting tired. Hopefully this few days of rest will get him back on track. The past few weeks have been terrible. 8.53 ERA in September. Not a good stat for a closer.
   Todd Coffey has been great since we picked him up on waivers, but that was Sept 10th, so he in not eligible for post season play.
   Well, that is my two cents. I hope it helps.
   May the best team win!!!

6. ryan Says:
   September 29th, 2008 at 10:41 pm

   wow. their bullpen is even worse than the mets’

7. Phil Says:
   September 29th, 2008 at 10:42 pm

   Well said Dan. Better than anything a Mets fan would say.l

8. Brian Says:
   September 29th, 2008 at 10:48 pm

   Hey Phillies fans, just wanted you to wish you luck in the postseason.

9. NEPA Says:
   September 29th, 2008 at 10:58 pm

   ryan – nothing is worse than the Mets bullpen, nothing. For a team that far above .500, I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a pathetic bullpen, it was like clockwork every tight game.

10. The Proc Says:
    September 29th, 2008 at 11:16 pm

    Let’s go Phillies!

    And let’s go Dodgers and Angels so I can go to both the NLCS and World Series!!!!!!!!!!!!

    LOL @ The METS!!!!!!!!!!!

11. Tim Malcolm Says:
    September 29th, 2008 at 11:30 pm

    Thanks, Dan. For some reason I totally overlooked Riske being out for the year. I edited that part.

12. Francis Forte Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 12:56 am

    Hamels vs Gallardo is a win. Myers can hang with CC he likes pitching under pressure and usually settles in well. Moyer vs either Bush/Parra/Suppan I’ll take any of them. The bullpen is much better for the Phils, Lidge will continue to be perfect and finish MVP of the World Series.

13. J-Man Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 2:26 am

    I just hope we can take care of this young pitcher and not get dominated again like the Rockies young pitchers did to us last year.

14. J-Man Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 2:29 am

    Another thing is were gonna need the Lidge from the regular season to show up and not the Lidge from the playoffs a couple of years ago with Houston because we all know what happened to him there.

15. mike m Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 7:47 am

    I can’t believe we are the playoff experience team. Durbin scares me. The league has caught up with him. Madson never use him in eighth or nineth. He is not good in pressure situations.I trust eyre more than them.

16. NJ Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 7:59 am

    One things for sure, the bats are going to need to get down to business ‘right off the bat’ and that’s whats going to win or loose the series. Francis I love your enthusiasm at the prospect of Brett hanging with CC but the way that guys pitching right now no-ones keeping up with him unless you have him over 100 pitches through 6 or hit him hard early.

17. Amanda Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 12:41 pm

    lidge named comeback player of the year for the NL!

18. Peter Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 1:33 pm

    Tim Kurkijan(sp?) from ESPN said that Mitch Stetter from the Brewers has the most unhittable slider in the majors according to the stats

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