[Phils20]

Great move in my book. He has had a good half season, and seems to be over any confidence issues.

Phillies, Lidge agree to extension
07/06/2008 11:00 AM ET
By Ken Mandel / MLB.com

PHILADELPHIA -- Brad Lidge will be saving games in Philadelphia through at least the 2011 season, after the pitcher agreed to a three-year, $37.5 million contract extension.

The deal includes a 2012 club option and performance incentives.
Working for $6.35 million in the final year before becoming a free agent, Lidge is off to the best start of his career, with an 0.77 ERA in 35 appearances. He's one of two full-time closers in the Major Leagues, along with New York's Mariano Rivera, not to blow a save this season.
The right-hander has anchored the NL's best bullpen, which has a 2.74 ERA. His devastating slider/fastball combination has produced 47 strikeouts in 35 innings.
Talk of a long-term agreement seemed to begin since Nov. 7, 2007, the day Lidge was acquired by the Phillies with Eric Bruntlett for Michael Bourn, Geoff Geary and Michael Costanzo. It continued through Spring Training and accelerated with each save Lidge recorded this season. Cincinnati's Francisco Cordero signed for four years and $46 million during the winter, and that was believed to be the going rate for elite closers Lidge and potential free-agent Francisco Rodriguez, of Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Philadelphia got ahead of the curve by signing Lidge now.