True, that injury soaked era from 2009-2011 which produced a mixed bag of results did indeed exist. There’s that one reason I never minded it. The year before that.
In the winter of 2007 when the Phillies traded Michael Bourne, Geoff Geary, and Michael Constanzo for Brad Lidge and Eric Bruntlett, I recall thinking we gave up nothing for something but that was about it. I was plenty comfortable with Brett Myers handling the 9th if need be and when Lidge entered his presser on crutches, I really was prepared for a serious bust. Well nothing turned into something for the Astros. Michael Bourne in fact became a stellar outfielder. Geary didn’t hang around long and I couldn’t tell you whatever became of Constanzo except that I know he ended up playing in the Orioles system in ’08 as I saw him suit up for Norfolk Tide.
Brad Lidge would start his 2008 a few weeks late but once he came on board, there was no looking back. If he took the mound in the 9th, it was game over. It was really one of the more incredible runs I ever saw and having lived through some pretty brutal relief innings in recent Phillies history, it was something I was not used to. His slider was perfect and he was so automatic when it was time to slam the door and end the game. A Cy Young worthy season indeed for the best relief season since Eric Gagne’s 2003 for Los Angeles. Even better, the reward for his perfection was something I hadn’t been able to experience in my developed years (I was only a few months old when the Phils took home the hardware in 1980).
Not one to ever make excuses Lidge handled an increasingly hostile public about his struggles with nothing short of class, Lidge was more of a Phillie during his time with the team than anyone. Many pitchers could and have thrown fits about losing the closer job and when that time finally did come during last season when Ryan Madson stepped up to handle the role, Lidge was nothing short of supportive.
I said weeks ago, I think it was best the Lidge era in Philly ended now but I can’t help but miss it today he moves on to our nation’s capital. I’ve laughed other players out the door over the years, some who were probably better. Yet when you lose Brad Lidge, you lose one of the great guys in the great game of baseball. Easily a future Phillies Wall of Famer. I raise my glass to the champion.
