Cory Lidle: Pitcher, Pilot, Eater, Gambler

There’s been a war of words between an ex-Phillie and several members of the Fightin’ Phils for the past few days. After he left, Lidle said, “On the days I’m pitching, it’s almost a coin flip as to know if the guys behind me are going to be there to play 100 percent,” regarding his time with the Phillies.

Well, ho ho, some current members of the Phillies didn’t like it, including Arthur Rhodes, who called Lidle a scab — he was a replacement player in ‘94, which is why he’s not in the players’ union or in video games (except as “Felix Berger”) — and also revealed his sweet tooth:

“The only thing Cory Lidle wants to do is fly around in his airplane and gamble…. He doesn’t have a work ethic. After every start, he didn’t run or lift weights. He would sit in the clubhouse and eat ice cream.”

Lidle realized that, well, gee, I sound like an asshole, and went back on his comments. He said he meant the team was distracted because of all the trade rumors and it was hard to focus. Okay, sure, Cory. But, whatever, he did the right thing and apologized (kind of) and changed his story. He didn’t want to continue to be an asshole (unlike a certain cheesesteak seller who shall remain nameless).

But Arthur Rhodes wasn’t done, firing this salvo:

Rhodes amplified those sentiments last night. “If you look at it, he only pitched two good games,” he said. “Before that, he wasn’t pitching too good.”

According to the 36-year-old veteran, the defining incident came before a game against the Mets at Shea Stadium in late May.

“He was on the Internet during a game,” Rhodes said. “I told him he’s got to be out there [in the dugout] for the first pitch and he got mad at me. I didn’t have anything to say to him after that. He didn’t want to win. He didn’t want to go out there and root the team on.”

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Arthur Rhodes is trying and wants the team to win?

Shit. Coulda fooled me.

Rhodes fires back at ’scab’ Lidle [Daily News]
Rhodes Fires Back At Lidle [Phillyville]