So how concerned should Phillies fan be about Brad Lidge's knee?
It's too early to tell.
(Update: Lidge walked into the clubhouse this morning with his knee wrapped, but seemed to be without much of a limp. Of course, walking and throwing a fastball are two totally different things. We expect an update later.)
We could learn more today. Lidge is expected to have his right knee, which he had surgically repaired after last season, examined today. He tweaked it yesterday while throwing batting practice at the Carpenter Complex. He said afterward he felt a pulling sensation. He said the knee later swelled up, and that he expects it to be sore today. He also thinks he will miss the next couple days.
Lidge's knee has been at about 80 percent this spring, but the Phillies have said the knee shouldn't be an issue and he should be ready to go on opening day March 31 ... unless yesterday's mishap is a setback or develops into a bigger problem.
Then there's trouble.
Real trouble.
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So Jim Salisbury takes the short trip to Dunedin on Friday to check out Blue Jays camp, where he runs into Scott Rolen.
So, what's new Scott?
Well, I would have accepted a trade to Philadelphia had they been able to trade for me.
Come again? Yep, Rolen, who left on bad terms in Philadelphia, was so desperate to get away from Cardinals manager Tony La Russa that he would have accepted a trade to the Phillies. The Phillies had concerns about Rolen's contract and health, and understandibly so. But could you imagine an infield for the next three seasons (Rolen's and Jimmy Rollins' contracts expire after the 2010 season -- although the Phillies have a 2011 club option for Rollins) that included Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Rollins and Rolen?
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Read Salisbury's Extra Bases.
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The Phillies said Kris Benson continues to make progress on the mound. He hopes to take another step forward today, although his ability to crack the rotation come March 31 remains a big question.
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Another Phillies commercial.
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A book about the 1977 Phillies is ready to purchase. Go here for more information.
Comments (15)
Todd, I know it's only a little after 8AM as a write this, but could you go to Lidge's house/condo/hotel room and ask him how the knee feels this morning? I'm more than a little nervous.
Posted by Tom G, ballssticksstuff.com | February 24, 2008 8:10 AM
Posted on February 24, 2008 08:10
My little sister called me in a panic yesterday with the news. Ugh. We'll see.
Posted by John in LA | February 24, 2008 8:33 AM
Posted on February 24, 2008 08:33
Truth,
It's funny, I was going to defend your right to post here a few days ago... and then I read what you've been writing a little closer.
Why are you here, dude? Seriously. The angry/bitter/shoot-from-the-hip-truth-teller is a little tired, don't you think? Maybe you should try something new - what about the classy, respectful guy? Ever considered that? You know a lot about the game, and the Phillies - good for you. Most of us here do. And most of us are here because this is meant to be fun. Todd makes it fun. He doesn't need me or anybody to defend him, but really - you're using Howard Eskin as a shining example of "good" journalism?
Here's a thought: maybe consider finding another site, Truth. Or start your own. Just one man's opinion. I've pretty much been here since Day One (I know, big-freakin' deal), but I personally love the fact that this blog has taken off the way it has. I like the variety of opinions, all the needless stats, the passion. I like Norma!
Negativity like yours has become a drag, though. It's kind of sad. But you already know that. You live with it every day.
Do you want a hug, Truth?
Posted by John in LA | February 24, 2008 9:49 AM
Posted on February 24, 2008 09:49
Love the commercial! Perfect for Philly.
Posted by Deborah Aziz | February 24, 2008 10:00 AM
Posted on February 24, 2008 10:00
Charlie definitely has another career on tap for when he retires! LOL!
And Brad......ICE & ELEVATE!!!!
Posted by Norma | February 24, 2008 11:05 AM
Posted on February 24, 2008 11:05
Hey Todd.....If you don't mind, I have a question for the Phillies training staff. Why, oh why, do they consistantly let players *walk* off the field when there's an obvious knee/leg/ankle injury???? I can't help but think, that the further damage walking on the injury causes wouldn't prolong recovery time.
Could ask them that for me??? Thanks, Todd.
Posted by Norma | February 24, 2008 11:11 AM
Posted on February 24, 2008 11:11
What a hoot that Charlie is in these commercials!!!
Posted by Patch57 | February 24, 2008 11:44 AM
Posted on February 24, 2008 11:44
John in LA: Ditto, well stated.
Love the new commercials, but still think the one last year with Charlie and the skin moisturizer was the funniest.
Posted by jimmymack | February 24, 2008 12:11 PM
Posted on February 24, 2008 12:11
It's so funny that you mentioned last year's commercial, jimmymack. For some reason, I was thinking about that commercial this morning. And that was before I knew that Todd had links to the new commercials!
And I agree. Last year's pantyhose commercial was the best ever!
Posted by Norma | February 24, 2008 12:30 PM
Posted on February 24, 2008 12:30
It's kinda good to see how Charlie is kinda winning over Philadelphia. He's getting farther away from the country hick image he was stuck with since he became a manager. That poem he wrote about Harmon Killabrew was funny as hell.
Of course, if the Phils start the season 4 and 12 he'll be considered a stupid hayseed again.
I'm no doctor but I think Lidge will be ok. Everyone has seen where guys in the NFL get cartiledge surgery on Monday and play the next Sunday. I say that not because I think Lidge isn't tough enough but to show how good medicine has gotten. It would be silly for Lidge to push himself or for the Phils to push him now. He's got over a month to get ready. If this happened a week before the season started I'd be more worried. If it happened a week before the season Lidge would probably start the season anyway.
Posted by johnny p | February 24, 2008 12:36 PM
Posted on February 24, 2008 12:36
Right on John in LA! We all need to stop responding to him, then maybe he might go away!
Posted by clinton, nj | February 24, 2008 12:46 PM
Posted on February 24, 2008 12:46
I like you, too, John in LA! LOL!
I stopped responding to, Truth, because I stopped reading his posts. I admit, at first I took the bait, because I thought his negativity was pretty funny. After awhile, though, it just started dragging me down.
I LOVE this blog! I've gone to a couple of others, but am now faithful to The Zo Zone! For the most part, everyone is respectful. Even when we disagree.
And I have gotten quite a baseball education from all you guys! Thanks!
Posted by Norma | February 24, 2008 1:48 PM
Posted on February 24, 2008 13:48
I like you too John (not that there is anything wrong with that!) LOL
And Todd, and Norma, and Clinton, and Case, and Coop and Johnny P and KMG...
Posted by jimmymack | February 24, 2008 3:46 PM
Posted on February 24, 2008 15:46
Jimmymack, I'm gonna cry-we'll all have to gather in Ashburn Alley, hold hands and eat a Schmitter.
This is a great blog- it's great to be on a spot where everyone else has a passion for the Fightin Phils like I do, even when we do disagree (yes, I was one of the people who said Ryan Howard should take the $7 million per year).
Posted by KMG | February 24, 2008 9:44 PM
Posted on February 24, 2008 21:44
KMG, you weren't alone. I voted for the $7 mil., too.
Posted by Norma | February 24, 2008 9:54 PM
Posted on February 24, 2008 21:54