J.A. Happ, Closer

After last night’s shit show that Brad Lidge put on, I think it’s time for Uncle Charlie to kick the chair out from under Bradley and let him die, at the very least for the rest of the 2009 season.

So if we do eliminate him, who takes his place? I’ve already proposed Tyler Walker as an option, but I just don’t see them making that move because no one in the stands would understand. Madson has proved to be as useless as Lidge in the closer role this year, so he’s out. Brett Myers is hurt, ditto for J.C. Romero. So who is left?

Well it turns out one problem may be the answer to another. With the additions of former Cy Young winners, Cliff Lee and Pedro Martinez, JA Happ is the 5th best starter on the team. After fighting some oblique issues, he seems close to full strength, but with question marks about where he fits into the playoff rotation.

Hamels, Lee, and Blanton are locked in. So its between Pedro and Happ. Considering Pedro’s recent outings where he looked…well like Pedro Martinez,  I would say he has the upper hand. So where does that leave Happ? I propose the Phils give him a try at closing duties.

He has worked from the bullpen before, with fantastic results (although, in lower leverage situations, obviously). His bullpen work: 2.75 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 17/9 K/BB ratio in 21 2/3 innings (Small sample size be damned). This is pretty much exactly what you are looking for in a closer.

Though, I don’t think this is the long term solution, for the playoffs, I think it’s the answer.