The Astros have signed right-handed pitcher Brad Lidge to a one-year, $5.35-million contract, plus incentives. Lidge, 30, was 1-5 with a 5.28 ERA and 32 saves in 78 games for the Astros in 2006. He ranked second in Major League Baseball with 104 strikeouts, while walking 36 and allowing 69 hits. Lidge’s 104 strikeouts last season made him the first big league reliever to strike out 100 or more in three consecutive years since Eric Gagne from 2002-04. His 32 saves ranked sixth in the National League, and he converted six of his last seven save chances in addition to 11 of 13 overall after the All-Star Break. "We are very pleased to have Brad signed prior to the exchange of arbitration figures,” General Manager Tim Purpura said. “We are looking forward to a great 2007 season with him as our closer once again. Brad is one of the leaders of our team, and we are expecting great results from him this season."
wow....I can't see any way that this could be a bargain. I feel like it'll either be just right or overpaid... given the risk that it could be overpaid (and given his struggles), I feel like we shoulda gone to arbitration or gone for a lower figure..
I know it breaks all the rules of baseball contract negotiations, but they should have went to arbitration. Lidge's performance last year deserved a pay cut if any player has ever deserved a pay cut.
after kile the astros have tried hard to avoid arbitration. i don't blame them. look, this isn't that big of a deal. they're communicating to their players that they'd rather work it out and agree to something than argue in front of a 3rd party about how undeserving the player is of more money. i'd argue that's worth the price tag.
Maybe the new pitching coach can turn Lidge's Lights Out back on Lidge is the single reason the Astros got a new pitching coach, I bet.
That's arguable, but the Astros like to take care of their own and he deserves another chance. He was incredible in 04 and 05. He had his fair share of bumps last year, but the Astros still believe in him. That's why they fired Hickey. They held hims responsible for not "fixing" Lidge. Here's to hoping 07 is the year of LIGHTS OUT. And yes I agree, he' no Billy the Kid. We NEVER should of traded him(Wagner) for Duck-worthless, Buchholz and Astacio.
In other news, The Houston Astros organization would like to remind fans that neither the Astros nor Major League Baseball are responsible for any injuries caused by home run balls hit in the Crawford Boxes, center field, or right field seating areas.
Man its good to be a pro baseball player. You can have your worst season and still get a raise. About the only sport you can do that in.
That's nothing compared to a $50-$70 million contract for having one mediocre season. Sincerely, Erick Dampier Chris Kaman Kelvin Cato Maurice Taylor
in completely unrelated news, the over/under on albert pujols homers in 2007 just shot up dramatically in vegas.
I know you're just kidding, but apparently, that playoff home run is the only HR Pujols has ever hit off of Lidge. He is 3 for 13 career vs. Lidge in the regular season, with an OPS of 0.574. In other words, he hits like Adam Everett against Lidge historically. Last year, he was 2 for 5 with a double for a 1.000 OPS though.
That's a very good point. This gets it worked out without having to try and get someone else to decide he is worth less money. Especially coming off of a bad year, I think this shows some faith in him.
nothing wrong with this in my opinion. let's not forget, the guy will always have huge trade value near the deadline. even if he implodes again this season, there will always be a taker who thinks they can fix him and get him back to his old form. he's an asset.
So he's gonna make about a million less than Dontrelle Willis? The money isnt that big of a deal...its the fact that I dont want to see him on the mound that's a problem.
