Pecking Order: Life on the Lidge

Brad Lidge isn't a very lucky guy right now. He was last year, when he converted all 41 of his save chances and was 7-for-7 in the postseason. Now, rumors of hidden injuries encircle him, though he's assured us he's 100 percent. His career K/9 rate of 12.38, tops all-time among relievers with at least 200 appearances and 300 innings, hasn't helped him stave off recent critics. The story really isn't all that complicated, if the subsequent analysis is not. The short answer is he's faced the meat of the opponent's order during a few close games and gave up a handful of lucky run-scoring base knocks and save-blowing long balls. Lidge's owners shouldn't fret, because he'll be back among the Top 15 closers in the game by year's end.

(Stats as of May 27, 2009.)

Matt Lindstrom, FLA
9-for-11 (82%), 19 IP, 19 Ks, 6.18 ERA, 1.68 WHIP
Next in line: Leo Nunez
Third in line: Kiki Calero

Fernando Rodney, DET
8-for-8 (100%), 18 IP, 13 Ks, 3.50 ERA, 1.06 WHIP
Next in line: Brandon Lyon/ Joel Zumaya
Third in line: Ryan Perry (minors)

Scott Downs, TOR
5-for-5 (100%), 20.1 IP, 23 K, 2.66 ERA, 0. 98 WHIP
Next in line: Jason Frasor
Third in line: Jesse Carlson/B.J. Ryan

LaTroy Hawkins, HOU
5-for-7 (71%), 19.2 IP, 18 Ks, 2.75 ERA, 1.27 WHIP
Next in line: Chris Sampson
Third in line: Wesley Wright

Huston Street, COL
7-for-7 (100%), 18.1 IP, 21 Ks, 3.44 ERA, 1.15 WHIP
Next in line: Jason Grilli
Third in line: Manny Corpas

George Sherrill, BAL
10-for-12 (83%), 19.2 IP, 21 Ks, 2.75 ERA, 1.27 WHIP
Next in line: Chris Ray
Third in line: Jim Johnson

Sherrill hasn't yielded an earned run since May 2, a nine-inning, nine-appearance run that includes 12 Ks, six saves and just two hits allowed. He's in no immediate danger of losing his job, especially since Chris Ray is now sporting an ERA of 10.13 -- in large part due to his previous two outings (0.2 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 3 ER; 0.0 IP, 4 H, 4 ER). Fernando Rodney, Huston Street and Scott Downs are all perfect on save chances thus far, although none can be considered a sure thing to last the season. If someone's already given up on Lidge and is seeking one of the aforementioned three in return for his fantasy services, I'd jump on it. LaTroy Hawkins is still the man in Houston, and should be for at least the next month.

Matt Capps, PIT
Capps had a stroke of bad luck Monday night when a liner caught him in the right elbow. He'll be out for a few days with bruising and swelling and will be re-evaluated. While X-rays of his elbow were negative, and Capps is optimistic, he could still go on the DL.