I always preach the important of players knowing their roles throughout the 25 man roster. Preparation is so important and having the right mental approach will only allow for players to maximize their ability. I believe the bullpen is the most important area for this and starts with the manager’s utilization of his relievers. During this series we have seen some shoddy bullpen performance and I believe it’s attributed to neither manager having faith in their middle relief. The Phillies are in even worse shape as Charlie Manuel lost faith in closer Brad Lidge.

You can’t blame Girardi or Manuel for mixing and matching their middle relief. Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain were supposed to be the “lockdown bridge” to Mariano Rivera. Neither has shown the type of consistency where you could count on them. They have combined to give up 4 runs in 3.2 innings this series, which includes a Pedro Feliz game tying homer. If not for the ninth inning heroics in Game 4 that homer could be considered the turning point of the series.

The Phillies pen is basically a mess. None of their middle relievers have been particularly effective. Ryan Madson, the one with the best stuff, was summoned to close out Monday’s game and probably was a pitch away from completely imploding. He doesn’t seem comfortable in the ninth inning. The troubles of Lidge have thrown off the entire bullpen dynamic and individuals, like Madson, are asked to step into roles they aren’t comfortable with. Scott Eyre even was called on to close out a game earlier in the postseason.

This hasn’t come back to haunt either team – yet. The Yankees always can turn to old reliable Mariano Rivera and the Phils have mastered the high wire act. I have a feeling this will change during Game 6 and a potential Game 7. A former writer of this site told me you “don’t need roles you just go out there, pitch, and get the outs when you are told.” If only it were that easy. These are players, not robots, and not all can be successful under those conditions. As a matter of fact very few are comfortable without a consistent routine. Ultimately it may be the lack of bullpen clarity that will cost one of these teams the 2009 World Series.

To hear more about the bullpen and closing out ballgames download my interview with former Royals closer Jeff Montgomery from earlier this year.

Tags: 2009 World Series, Brad Lidge, Charlie Manuel, Jeff Montgomery, Joba Chamberlain, Joe Girardi, Kansas City Royals, Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees, Pedro Feliz, Phil Hughes, Philadelphia Phillies, Ryan Madson, Scott Eyre, Use of Bullpen During World Series