I'm sure the red flags were raised in Philly (red as in warning, not as in Philliies), when word traveled up north that closer Brad Lidge was experiencing soreness.

Well I just caught up with the All-Star closer as he ate breakfast, and you can put your snow shovel down and rest easy. It's "nothing out of the ordinary," according to Lidge.

In fact, he said he feels fine today. After I spoke with him, he was headed outside to throw a bullpen session.

The stiffness he experienced was just the normal thing that happens in the offseason for any pitcher who hasn't throw a ton in the offseason. So, once again, Lidge is fine.


UPDATE: I watched Lidge throw his bullpen - 40 pitches - and he looked perfectly fine. When I asked pitching coach Rich Dubee how he thought it went, he said, "Very good."

So, again, all is well on the All-Star closer front.

-------


As for Jayson Werth... his shoulder is apparently on the mend. Although he was scratched from Monday's lineup against the Blue Jays at Dunedin a little while ago, his name is in the starting nine for the B-game the Phils and Jays will play at the Carpenter Complex.