Brad Lidge throwing off mound

by Eric Schwartz

Monday February 22, 2010 

Brad Lidge throwing off mound thumbnail

Consider this step one.

Phillies closer Brad Lidge threw off the mound for the first time this spring today, and did so with the eyes of his teammates all over him.

It’s no secret that a bounce-back year from Lidge is considered one of the biggest shorelines of the upcoming season. After a perfect 2008, Lidge had a disastrous 2009, setting a team-record for blown saves.  Expect to hear nothing but good things this spring as the public relations department will do their best to fill Lidge’s head with positive thoughts.

Whether or not that will help his pitching is another issue. If Lidge returns to form the team seems to be a lock to win the NL East and a heavy favorite to go back to the World Series.

If he doesn’t. Well at least Halladay can go nine innings, so that takes care of one out of every five games.

The following is from a post by philly.com’s Andy Martino
“Brad Lidge threw 20 pitches off a mound earlier today, the first time he’s thrown off a mound since the 2009 season ended.


“The closer called the session “very successful.” Lidge threw all fastballs despite pleading his case to throw a slider or two to pitching coach Rich Dubee. Dubee wasn’t having any of it.


“He knows his body better than we know his body,” Dubee said. “But at the same time we have to make sure he isn’t trying to skip steps. Today he wanted to throw sliders. I said, ‘No. It’s your first time on the mound.’”

Dubee said Lidge will likely take two days off and throw off a mound again on Thursday. He won’t be throwing sliders then either.

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