Lidge Is Not Yet Money in the Bank

Brad Lidge had two encouraging one-inning stints against the Cardinals but questions remain. A rejuvenated Lidge would be huge for the Phillies but there is still that uneasy feeling that his margin for error is razor thin.

While his slider looked tight and continues to be the go-to pitch, it is the right-hander's fastball that is of concern. Against the Cards, one Lidge fastball was clocked at 95 mph, but it was 2 feet out of the strike zone. Otherwise, it measured in the low 90's and was without much movement nor was Lidge able to spot it. Big league hitters have little trouble with that kind of pitch.

Brad Lidge needs his fastball to set up his slider, but if it's 92-93 mph in the middle of the plate, he won't get a chance to use his money pitch. Lidge's fastball may well improve as his arm strength progresses with more appearances, but this is far from a forgone conclusion. The psychological damage from the reliever's 2009 nightmare season will be difficult to undo.