Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
BY SCOTT LAUBER
(Twitter: @ScottLauber)
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Just chatted with Brad Lidge, who threw 21 pitches to two hitters (righty-swinging Wilson Valdez and lefty Chris Duffy) in his first live batting practice session of the spring on a back field at the Carpenter Complex, then did fielding practice drills with other pitchers on the half-field in front of Bright House Field.
The verdict?
"It went very well," Lidge said. "Full day. I actually felt like I was in spring training."
Bottom line: Lidge will throw another live batting practice Friday or Saturday, and assuming that goes well, he said he may be ready to put his surgically repaired right elbow (in November) and right knee (in January) to the test Monday in a game, likely a minor-league or B-game. Yesterday, pitching coach Rich Dubee said Lidge is "still on the radar screen" to be ready by the April 5 season-opener in Washington. Lidge (AP photo) seems to think that's possible, too, although after he missed four games in 2008 while recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery, he also wouldn't be surprised if the Phillies take a similar approach this year.
"Unfortunately, it's not necessarily what I think that's going to be the case," Lidge said. "Even if I feel good enough to go on opening day, they might be like, 'You know, we can tell your arm speed needs maybe one or two more outings and then we'll feel comfortable.' It's really a question of how fast things come once we get going [in games]. There is enough time, but coming off knee surgery and elbow surgery, I'm not sure my body is going to get there as fast as that time. But I'd say [opening day] is definitely a possibility. Can't rule it out, for sure. And my guess is, even if it wasn't opening day, I really think no more than a week into the season."
More on Lidge in tomorrow's News Journal.
Meanwhile, as we type, Jamie Moyer is pitching in the B-game against the Jays at Bright House Field. Thus far, he has allowed one hit through three innings. Once Moyer is through for the day, we'll have a complete update right here.
Also, Kyle Drabek will be starting for the Blue Jays in the regular Grapefruit League game today in Dunedin. Should be fun to watch him face Cole Hamels. Drabek, who initially had been slated to pitch in relief, will face this lineup: SS Jimmy Rollins, CF Shane Victorino, 3B Placido Polanco, LF Raul Ibanez, RF Jayson Werth, 1B Greg Dobbs, DH John Mayberry Jr., 2B Wilson Valdez, C Carlos Ruiz.
(UPDATED, 1:09 p.m.): Moyer threw 31 pitches in three scoreless innings in the B-game. His next start, in all likelihood, will be a Grapefruit League game, possibly Sunday against the Orioles in Sarasota. Moyer called his performance today "another step forward" and said, I'm pleased. I'm moving in the right direction. It's all about going out there and trying to repeat mechanics, create a downward plane and throw quality pitches. I'm trying to keep it as simple as I can."
