PHILLIES BULLPEN - REVIEW AND PREVIEW

The Phillies' bullpen was the strongest and most consistent component of the team last season. Brad Lidge made them almost unbeatable after the 8th inning, and their mix of middle and late relievers gave them at least a chance to get to Lidge when the starters faltered or failed to go deep into the game. Looking ahead to 2009, the relievers may be a victim of their own success as it will be difficult to even match their accomplishments in 2008.

The pitcher who will have the most difficult comparison of course is Brad Lidge who is coming off one of the greatest closer years of all time. Can he repeat perfection? Not likely. But there is no reason to think he cannot continue to be one of the most overpowering finishers in the game for a number of years to come. It is true that late last season, Lidge had to work his way through several self-inflicted jams. But rather than be a source of concern, this highlighted his mental toughness, a closer's best friend when he doesn't have his best stuff.

The most significant development down the stretch in '08 was the emergence of Ryan Madson as the 8th inning closer. Prior to this, Madson had been frustratingly inconsistent. If this emergence carries over and proves to be the real deal, the Phils' pen could indeed become even more formidable. The only reservation here though is whether Madson has that Lidge-like toughness. One still senses that Madson's psyche is fragile and could crack under pressure. It remains to be seen if he is truly over that hump.

One large question mark is Chad Durbin. Durbin was huge in middle and long relief, appearing in 71 games. However, he faltered late. Whether this was simply due to fatigue, as many speculated, or other issues, mechanical or otherwise, remains to be seen. How this plays out in spring training and the early regular season will be key.

The Phillies are not loaded with left-handed relievers. J.C. Romero's appearances are sure to elevate your heart rate, but for two years he has been remarkably effective. Scott Eyre, who has been re-signed, pitched well but 14 innings is hardly an adequate sample size. If J.A. Happ does not make it to the starting rotation he could be useful out of the bullpen.

So the nucleus of the relief core is intact. The best guess here is that the front office will attempt to add depth to Durbin's spot and perhaps add another southpaw if at all possible.