[EmpireWF]

Late news tonight, the Philadelphia Phillies have acquired closer Brad Lidge from the Houston Astros. The details of the trade:

RHP Brad Lidge and IF Eric Bruntlett to Philly
OF Michael Bourn, RHP Geoff Geary and prospect 3B Mike Costanzo to Houston

Looks like Brett Myers will be back in the rotation next year. The Phillies were looking for a closer and they have one. The question is which Lidge will it be?

[Phils20]

I was just getting ready to post this! Ya beat me to it!

I have the same questions you do about Lidge. I am hopeful he is up to pitching to his old standards. Time will tell, but the trade intrigues me. I don't think Bourne was ever going to crack the starting line up. He is a good base stealer, but his bat is very suspect. They didn't lose much on giving up Geary either.

A link to an article with some local opinions!

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[vincesanity82]

I think it was a good move on the phillies part, lidge should be close to form again..

[Phils20]

Originally Posted by vincesanity82

I think it was a good move on the phillies part, lidge should be close to form again..

I'm hopeful that is what comes to pass! If so, this could keep the Phils on top of the division. It helps make the starters better as well.

Is it spring yet?? I hope the Phils have some more moves left in them!

[Lefty Noob]

Seems like a lot of good, young talent for a guy who may be washed up as a closer. Phillies are definitely rolling the dice here.

[azrael492]

Maybe a new coach can help figure out why he has became so hittable.

[Phils20]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Seems like a lot of good, young talent for a guy who may be washed up as a closer. Phillies are definitely rolling the dice here.

I don't feel the Phils gave up much. Trust me, none of those three are anything special. I watched a ton of PHils games this year, and even went to five. I just cringe when Geary gets into the game. And Bourne just can't hit. For his sake, I hope he plays well for the Astro's. He is a great pinch runner, with blazing speed. But he can't get on base, and his fielding is average at best.

[njpsufan]

Exactly. Bourn is a 4th OF who has a ton of speed but is a slap hitter... think a poor man's Ichiro but with out the power or arm. Geary was expendable with Madson coming back and if/when they re-sign Romero. I was talking last night with my neighbor who works for the Mets. He has met Lidge numerous times and the only thing the bothers him is that he is "fragile" mentally. If he can get off to a gd start then he will be fine, but if he gets hit a bit then he starts to dwell on things and it pulls him down. Not exactly the best thing for a closer in Philadelphia. But by moving Myers back to the rotation we strengthen that because there is no FA pitching available this year. And to get anyone really gd it would cost us too much.