Yes, I was a Cory Lidle basher
Was it his “I’m going to do it my way.” demeanor? or his “I thought I pitched great” comments after being knocked out after clearly pitching poorly? Maybe it was his on-field display when showed up Art Howe after he took him out of the game against the Milwaukee this year. Or was it a subtle frustration in me when Art Howe gave him the pitching responsibility in game four of the ALDS against the yankees, in which he was ineffective?
Here are my thoughts on the new Lidle.
After those series of things, I reflect on the unpleasant way he left his former club–the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He said some unpleasant and critical statements aiming at the team and management after he was traded to Oakland.
Combining all of the components together, I was fearing that Cory Lidle burns his bridges everywhere he goes and the A’s organization were going to be his next victim.
As the rocky road for Lidle continued, the A’s acquired Ted Lilly from the Yankees, causing even Lidle to predict an upcoming trade that end his stay in Oakland. The trade may have occured, but Lidle was pitching so bad that the A’s weren’t getting any decent offers and somehow he remained on the team.
With all of the hype of the “Big Three” pitchers, Lidle was the guy everyone loved to vent their frustration on. I’m sure he just wanted to fit in the rotation nicely, but he was always having to pitch after Mulder, Hudson, and Zito. Talk about pressure and maybe trying to do too much. It’s like being the batter following Mcgwire, Canseco or Bonds in batting practice–set up for a big let down.
All of a sudden , “Bam” Cory Lidle pitches a one-hitter against the powerful Texas Rangers. Yeah, that was impressive, but I was thinking, “He won’t keep this up–I don’t think?”
Well, five weeks after Lidle is working on a 31 consecutive scoreless inning streak, and now if he continues his brilliance Billy beane and Art Howe have to determine whether the A’s will implement and three or four man rotation in the playoffs–should they get there.
Although I was frustrated and worried each time I knew Lidle was pitching, I am happy he turned it around and am also impressed by the A’s patience in him.
There is a uniqueness about Cory Lidle unlike the A’s other starters. A somewhat subborn and “I’m going to do it my way” attitude may rub people the wrong way. A’s broadcaster, Ray Fosse points out that when Ramon Hernandez visits the mound, it’s Cory Lidle that is doing most of the talking regarding what he wants to do with each hitter.
Call it cocky. Call it arrogant. Call it stubborn, but you can’t ignore his effectivess. At least at this point of the season.
Yes, I was a Cory Lidle Basher and am admitting it now.
Dale
0 comments
Nice article Dale, now what do the A’s do with Mr. Unpredictable if the need should arise in the post season?
Marty
I think there is a new man out there now. Maybe a visit to a sport psychologist or just some soul searching has brought forth another gem in the A’s pitching staff. Corey has such confidence out there now. It shows in his body, his face, his demeanor. Before he looked scared of failing–and he did too often. Now, he knows he can throw with the best of them and get outs. Last night’s game was a masterpiece. I found myself glued to the TV just watching every pitch he made. And his reactions off the mound are so fast and so right on. I don’t think a better game has been pitched by the A’s this year.
Yeah, I was getting tired of him and his inability to handled his frustrations. Whatever he did seems to have worked. I don’t think this is a temporary thing. I believe the A’s have themselves a fourth Ace. Aren’t we lucky.
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