Phenomenal Smith wrote:
Lefty,
Always glad to see someone aside from barzilla imageimageimageimage who doesn't think I'm a kook.

Now, as to Lidge and the Phillies. While they were less likely to blow leads in the ninth, check this out:

Winning Pct when leading after 7 innings:
2008 - 88%
2007- 88.7%

Virtually identical

Edited!
Problem is....your percentage doesn't just involve Lidge(closer), because he doesn't pitch the 8th innings.

The most important pct. for a closer is the winning pct. when leading after 8 innings......

2007....78-5......940 win pct.
2008....79-0......1.000 win pct.

Difference? 5 games that were lost in 2007 weren't in 2008. Difference? Winning the division and playing in the playoffs vs. playing golf at their favorite course. Reason? Closer.

NOTE: your figures you posted are slightly off for 2007, when leading after 7 innings...it's not 88.7%, it's 87.7%......2007 stats


Last Edited By: Flastrohs Oct 2 08 2:25 PM. Edited 1 times.