Phillies' bullpen pain

Yes, I know that the Phillies still lead the NL East by 7 games, and that Ryan Howard is bombing opposing pitchers right now (9 HR, 25 RBI in the last 13 games). But unless they find a pitcher who can reliably close out a tight game, how are they going to repeat as champions? Their last two games in Pittsburgh both featured blown saves. Last night it took Brad Lidge just 6 pitches to give up 3 runs and blow a 4-3 lead in the 9th. Tonight, since Lidge had pitched 4 days in a row, Ryan Madson came into the 9th with a 1-0 lead and promptly served up a game-tying homer.

Howard's 3-run homer in the 10th saved the Phils tonight, but someone has to come in and close games. Lidge has been horrendous all year, even if he was bailed out by the Eric Bruntlett legendary unassisted triple play on Monday. Madson was throwing hard -- 99 mph according to the TV graphic -- but decided he needed to throw a changeup to Brandon Moss of the Pirates tonight, and the slower pitch was sent over the fence. And Madson's failed a number of times filling in as the closer this year, even though he's generally pitched well in games in which he's pitched the 7th or 8th innings. In theory, pitching in the 9th shouldn't be any different than pitching in any other inning. Tell that to Madson's psyche.

The hope here is that Brett Myers comes back in September and takes the job away from Lidge. Myers was successful in the role in 2007. From all reports on his rehab appearances he's throwing harder than he has since that season, thanks to the hip surgery.

A piece of good news, at least until his next start: Cole Hamels pitched 8 shutout innings tonight, managing to get out of trouble a number of times.

After tomorrow's final game in Pittsburgh the Phils are back home against Atlanta, as the Braves try and stay alive in the division.