It's completely baffling to try to begin to understand what exactly has happened to Brad Lidge in the last 12 months.

It actually can give you a headache if you think about it too much.

In case you missed it, Brad Lidge blew his 11th save in 42 opportunities this season on Wednesday night in Miami. That's a save percentage of 73.8 %. Last year, of course, he was a perfect 100 percent (41-for-41).

Those numbers don't entirely tell the story.

Lidge is 0-8 with a 7.48 ERA in 63 games in 2009; in 2008, he was 2-0 with a 1.95 ERA. Lidge allowed two home runs last year; this year, he's served up 11.


Those are more numbers. Trying to explain them is impossible. Numbers fill up the back of a baseball card, but don't reveal what's in a guy's head.

If you had a chance to peak through Brad Lidge's reddened eyes Wednesday night, it sure looks like he's lost. Is there time to save him?

In Charlie Manuel's head, it's exasperation. He doesn't have any other serviceable, ready-now options. (Ryan Madson also gave up a run in the 8th that contributed to Wednesday's defeat).

It's very difficult to imagine Lidge can turn this around. Six weeks ago, sure.

But with 11 games left?

"I definitely still feel good," Lidge said, trying to muster up some confidence after the game. "I’m getting swings and misses. I’m getting some strikeouts. But obviously I need to do a little better....

"It’s incredibly frustrating. I’m disappointed. They hit the ball tonight. They did a great job. Hopefully tomorrow I’ll have a chance to get something started again. But I’m definitely frustrated, a little bit at a loss but I’m sure there are some things I could do better."