The Phillies welcomed closer Brad Lidge back this weekend. Lidge got the save yesterday as the Phils managed to do something they have not done since the beginning of June. That would be actually win a series. The Phils beat the Blue Jays, 5-4, taking two of three in Toronto.

Now it’s Jimmy Rollins’ turn. The one-time MVP shortstop who has been struggling horrendously this year found himself on the bench for the weekend in Toronto. Rollins is not hitting, and not getting on base. Not a good combination for a leadoff guy.

Manager Charlie Manuel says Rollins will be back in his familiar spot Tuesday night when the Phils open a series in Atlanta.

They can only hope that Rollins heats up in Hot-lanta. His numbers are scary. He’s hitting just .211 for the season and his on-base percentage is not much better. That’s a killer at the top of your lineup.

Rollins is the guy who makes the Phillies go. Over the last two seasons the team is 70-22 when he scores.

His replacement, Eric Bruntlett, didn’t exactly light it up in his spot.
Bruntlett went 1-for-15 in the last four games.

The Phils need a productive Rollins at the top of their lineup if they want to repeat as World Series champs. Of they need to find a new leadoff man.

That process starts Tuesday night in Atlanta.