Phillies' Lidle Apologizes for Criticism of Ex-Teammates

Philadelphia Phillies' pitcher Cory Lidle apologized to his former teammates for critical remarks he made about their effort and will to win, saying they were misinterpreted. Lidle's comments, made on a conference call Monday, were seen as a swipe at his former teammates, who he said did not share his desire to win. Lidle, who was traded to the New York Yankees on Sunday, walked back his statements, saying they were taken out of context. In a remarkable turn of events, Lidle's apology comes after Phillies reliever Arthur Rhodes called him "a scab" in an interview with the New York Post, citing Lidle's role as a replacement player during the 1995 labor dispute.

Key Takeaways:

• Lidle apologized to his former Phillies teammates for critical remarks he made about their effort and will to win, saying they were misinterpreted.
• Lidle's comments, made on a conference call Monday, were seen as a swipe at his former teammates, who he said did not share his desire to win.
• Lidle was critical of his former teammates' approach to the game, saying "the last few years, I haven't had a clubhouse that expected to win with me. It was almost a coin flip to know if the guys behind me were going to be there to play 100 percent."
• Phillies reliever Arthur Rhodes called Lidle "a scab" in an interview with the New York Post, citing Lidle's role as a replacement player during the 1995 labor dispute.
• Lidle was a replacement player for the Brewers during the labor dispute of 1995.
• Lidle's apology comes after several Phillies, including Brett Myers and Chase Utley, expressed their disappointment with his comments.
• Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said he has rules against staying in the clubhouse during games, and Lidle breaching this rule may have contributed to the tension.
• The controversy arises after Billy Wagner, another former Phillie, questioned some of his former teammates' heart and said "All they cared about was their hair and what they were going to do after the game."

Statistics:

• 2 games: The number of games Lidle pitched well for the Phillies, according to Rhodes.
• 1995: The year Lidle played as a replacement player for the Brewers during the labor dispute.
• 100 percent: The level of effort Lidle claims the Phillies did not exhibit behind him.
• Several: The number of Phillies, including Brett Myers and Chase Utley, who expressed their disappointment with Lidle's comments.
• One: The number of flavor of ice cream Lidle allegedly ate in the clubhouse during games, Nestle Crunch.

Sources:

• The Philadelphia Inquirer, August 2, 2006
• New York Post
• McClatchy-Tribune Business News
• The Permissions Group Inc.