Any relations to this guy? Frankly, I am pleasantly surprised they were able to get this much in return (good prospects, mainly). I would have settled for a cheese stake, or even a DVD copy of Rocky VI.
Another thing is that his decline may be attributed to his change in mechanics. Here's a good article on it: http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/the-d-trains-mechanics-a-video-analysis/
Here's Mark Berman's in-depth article w/ Brad Lidge on the trade: http://www.myfoxhouston.com/myfox/p...n=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=6.1.1 ORLANDO, Fla. -- Closer Brad Lidge was traded by the Houston Astros to the Philadelphia Phillies along with infielder Eric Bruntlett on Wednesday night in the first deal of the general managers' meetings. In exchange for Lidge and Bruntlett, the Astros got outfielder Michael Bourn, right-hander Geoff Geary and minor league third baseman Mike Costanzo. The 30-year-old Lidge was 5-3 with 19 saves in 27 chances for the Astros last year. He struggled to close out games but held batters to a .218 average and averaged 11.8 strikeouts per nine innings. "It's tough," Lidge said Wednesday night in an interview with Fox 26 Sports. "It still doesn't feel real. I know I've been traded but still doesn't feel real." While Lidge admits he knew something like this could happen, he was still caught off guard. "Of course I'm suprised," Lidge said. "I've been with the Astros since I got drafted in '98. They're the only team I know. The only organization I know. So I'm a little shocked for sure." Lidge acknowledges he really doesn't have his arms around what has happened. "I realized that going into the offseason this was a possibility," Lidge said. "So I can't say I'm overwhelmingly shocked. I'd just say I'm suprised and obviously I have a lot of stuff to get straightened out as far as my career and my future goes." Philadelphia intends to move Brett Myers, who had been their closer, back into the starting rotation. Bruntlett hit .246 with 14 RBIs last season, seeing time at shortstop, third base and the outfield. Bourn batted .277 as a rookie this year with one homer, six RBIs and 18 steals, and Geary was 3-2 with a 4.41 ERA with the Phillies. Costano, 24, batted .270 with 27 homers and 86 RBIs at Double-A Reading.
If the Astros sign Castillo, they'll have a 1-2 punch at the top of the lineup who should both have OBPs above .350 (hopefully above .370 in Castillo's case)... both are very fast and both bat left-handed. They're certainly sacrificing pop, but I am pleased to see the emphasis on OBP and quality at-bats.
Isn't a Castillo a switch-hitter? That would be nice though, to have that same 1-2 type punch at the top of the lineup similar to the Mets when they had Castillo.
and I'd think 2 lefties might put Pence..or maybe even Lee.. in the 3 spot so that they can't use a lefty on those 2 and then turn Berkman around too..
Crazy. I just got home and saw this. I think it's a great deal for both teams. The Phillies needed a closer to get Myers back in the rotation. The Philly fans will love Bruntlett if he gets a chance to play with them. The Astros get a speedy, top of the order, CF'er, a decent middle reliever, and a good power hitting 3B prospect. It's very hard to look at this in anything but a positive light. Well done, Mr. Wade.
Yeah, he's a switch... but since the majority of pitchers are righties, he gets most of his at-bats as a lefty... that's what I meant.
That's the strange thing. I'm pretty sure Bruntlett is going to be better-liked here than Lidge will be. Good thing he got some practice dealing with boos. I'm not sure Philly is the best situation for him, but he's proven he'll handle things with class regardless.
So we pick up Jason Bourne and Costanza. Sounds like a great trade! I'll take it. Seriously though, I'm glad we got some good young talent for Lidge. At the beginning of the 2007 season, we couldn't have traded him for a pack of Big League Chew.
bourn is seriously gonna be electric. you think willy t can play defense? this kid is willy with instincts. i saw him against LSU make the best defensive play ive ever seen, including pros. ball was a shot that looked like itd be gone, he sprinted back to the wall, leapt, and made the grab to rob the guy, who i believe was the late Wally Pontiff the 3B (RIP). anyone who's been to the UH field knows the fench there is no kiddy fence either. bourn really had to get up there. UH ended up winning the game in the bottom of the 9th...and i actually believe it was bourn who scored the winning run on a passed ball/wild pitch.
nevermind...my memory must be going. wasnt bourn that scored the winning run in that game...it was a doozy though. it was in 2002 so of course im not gonna remember everything
i like lidge and i think he's still got dominant seasons ahead of him so i'm feeling a little apprehensive right now. it seems like everyone loves bourn but i don't know enough about him to grade this trade. if this move is the beginning of getting cordero then one of the free agent 2nd basemen then i'll love this deal even before i realize how good bourn may be.
WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSssssssssssssssssssssSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSsssssssssssssssssss Just got back from Fast Eddies playing pool. I know I'm late to the party, but I'd like to give my little celebration.
