Phanatic: I was robbed

PHILADELPHIA - The Phillie Phanatic plans to file a formal complaint with the Philadelphia Daily News for naming Brad Lidge its first-ever Sportsperson of the Year.

"No disrespect to Brad Lidge, but I am the real reason the Phillies won the World Series," the usually humble Phanatic told SoxandPhils in an exclusive interview. "He had a great season and really helped me get over the hump, but where would the Phillies have been without my great cheerleading this year?"

The Phanatic said the award should also reflect an athlete's bond with the community.

"Brad Lidge was perfect this year. Perfect. What in Philadelphia, besides this past postseason, is ever perfect?" the Phanatic said. "I've suffered for years with the fans and never lost my faith even when most would have written off these guys. How many times has Brad Lidge tried to pump up a crowd of 7,000 in Veterans Stadium in the sufferable August sun when the Phillies were dead and buried?

"Even after winning the World Series, Brad Lidge couldn't spend the offseason here," the Phanatic continued. "When he was chosen to narrate the Phillies yearbook DVD, he opted to record it in Colorado instead of Philadelphia. I know he just had a new baby and all, but c'mon."

Usually a big Brad Lidge fan, the Phanatic even questioned his role in the World Series, which concluded with the closer, 48 for 48 in regular and postseason save opportunities, dropping to his knees in an iconic picture.

"Yeah, he was great, but where was he when the freezing rain gushed down at Citizens Bank Park in Game 5? He was sitting in a sheltered bullpen," the Phanatic said. "Cole Hamels got a lot of credit for pitching that game. And so did the fans for sitting through it. But try keeping their spirits up when you're weighed down by wet and frozen green fur."

The Phanatic eventually conceded that Brad Lidge, or maybe Charlie Manuel, probably deserves the award. His beef is with the Philly writers who couldn't toss him a single vote.

"Mo Cheeks was fired and even he got two votes. So did his former boss," the Phanatic said. "The 76ers are falling apart, but the mascot of the World Champions can't get a little love?"