Astros Face Big Problems: Lidge Is Broken
After last night's loss big challenges ahead
Time to have a pitcher's pow-wow
Will Malven
Houston Conservative
The Astros came close last night, but once more their pitching failed them down the stretch. Faced with 45 degree temperatures and a constant drizzle some problems are to be expected, but the difficulties facing the Astros run deeper. Roger Clemmens is dealing with back and hamstring problems and was forced to stop pitching in the 3rd inning on Saturday. Worse, Brad "Lights Out" Lidge is broken.
I first understood this in his game 3 appearance at Minute Maid Park. In game 3 Lidge surrendered 1 earned run on 1 hit and 1 base on balls, a less than spectacular outing. It was the first run he had surrendered since September 30th and the first earned run he had given up in the playoffs. He was forced to throw a lot of pitches and just seemed off his game. In game 4, Brad survived again, but only after surrendering 2 more hits. For a pitcher who usually dominates batters, it was a less than auspicious appearance. I had began to worry and felt that he was thinking too much. His surrendering of the run in game 3 seemed to have broken his self-confidence. The air of invincibility was replaced with feet of clay.
Already rndered mortal, in game 5 he surrendered that crushing walk-off homerun to Pujols and got the loss. Garner wisely rested him in game 6 and the Astros were able to win the pennant. It was at that point that I concluded that Lidge's mental strength was broken and I felt that Garner should get him some counseling. I felt that he needed sit down with Garner, Roger Clemmens, and Hickey and talk out his problems (I know this sounds touchy-feely, but we are talking about a young pitcher).
Fast forward to last night. The Astros battle back after losing the lead to tie the game, in comes Lidge and wham Scott Podsednik puts the "lights out" with another walk-off homerun.
Are the Astros done for? Not necessarily, but they are on the ropes and they need some intensive care. They need to get with Wheeler, who had problems himself last night, and Lidge and the rest of them and spend time working on their mental game.
I haven't given up yet, but I am worried. Houston has a great team and fantastic pitching. They just have to get their minds in the right place and go for broke. No sense in worrying about losing, just do it.
LET'S GO ASTROS! ***** LET'S GO ASTROS!*****LET'S GO ASTROS!
Time to have a pitcher's pow-wow
Will Malven
Houston Conservative
The Astros came close last night, but once more their pitching failed them down the stretch. Faced with 45 degree temperatures and a constant drizzle some problems are to be expected, but the difficulties facing the Astros run deeper. Roger Clemmens is dealing with back and hamstring problems and was forced to stop pitching in the 3rd inning on Saturday. Worse, Brad "Lights Out" Lidge is broken.
I first understood this in his game 3 appearance at Minute Maid Park. In game 3 Lidge surrendered 1 earned run on 1 hit and 1 base on balls, a less than spectacular outing. It was the first run he had surrendered since September 30th and the first earned run he had given up in the playoffs. He was forced to throw a lot of pitches and just seemed off his game. In game 4, Brad survived again, but only after surrendering 2 more hits. For a pitcher who usually dominates batters, it was a less than auspicious appearance. I had began to worry and felt that he was thinking too much. His surrendering of the run in game 3 seemed to have broken his self-confidence. The air of invincibility was replaced with feet of clay.
Already rndered mortal, in game 5 he surrendered that crushing walk-off homerun to Pujols and got the loss. Garner wisely rested him in game 6 and the Astros were able to win the pennant. It was at that point that I concluded that Lidge's mental strength was broken and I felt that Garner should get him some counseling. I felt that he needed sit down with Garner, Roger Clemmens, and Hickey and talk out his problems (I know this sounds touchy-feely, but we are talking about a young pitcher).
Fast forward to last night. The Astros battle back after losing the lead to tie the game, in comes Lidge and wham Scott Podsednik puts the "lights out" with another walk-off homerun.
Are the Astros done for? Not necessarily, but they are on the ropes and they need some intensive care. They need to get with Wheeler, who had problems himself last night, and Lidge and the rest of them and spend time working on their mental game.
I haven't given up yet, but I am worried. Houston has a great team and fantastic pitching. They just have to get their minds in the right place and go for broke. No sense in worrying about losing, just do it.
LET'S GO ASTROS! ***** LET'S GO ASTROS!*****LET'S GO ASTROS!
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posted by Will Malven at 8:44 AM
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