The Astros finally stuck a fork in the closing career of Brad Lidge. Being a nice guy (which certainly describes Brad) is an admirable quality, but unfortunately it may have also jaded the Astros view of their own asset. Lidge is a player who has overcome a number of arm and elbow injuries to enjoy a 2 year period as dominant as any reliever in the history of baseball. Originally a starting pitcher when the Astros took him in the 1st round of the 1997 draft out of Notre Dame, Lidge’s arm troubles caused the organization to change him into 
a two pitch reliever. The Astros were very close to trading Lidge at the deadline last season in a multi-player deal with Baltimore for SS Miguel Tejada. In the 23rd hour the Astros balked and Lidge remained an inconsistent member of the team’s bullpen. This past winter, the Red Sox made credible offers for both Lidge and 3B Morgan Ensberg. In two separate Lidge related deals, Houston could have had their choice of slugger Manny Ramirez or a prospect package. In a recent Ken Rosenthal article on Foxsports.com, Purpurra was quoted about the possibility of a transaction involving Lidge.
{ "I was asked about Lidge the other day by a Boston scout," manager Tim Purpura told FOXSports.com on Sunday. "I didn't say, 'No.' I said, 'Hell no.' }
Even in the middle of a bad spring training, the Astros had a shot to get fair value for their one time superstar. Now the team is out of options. If th
e Astros decide to send Brad Lidge down to AAA, he is a shoo-in to be claimed by another team. After a calendar year of futility on the mound, the Astros would be fortunate to receive 60 cents on the dollar for Lidge. In other words, the Astros are now playing with 24 players on their 25 man roster until the organization waves the white flag over one of “The Good Guys”. Dan Wheeler should be fine for now as closer, but the team should certainly look to improve their bullpen depth if they expect to contend this season.
a two pitch reliever. The Astros were very close to trading Lidge at the deadline last season in a multi-player deal with Baltimore for SS Miguel Tejada. In the 23rd hour the Astros balked and Lidge remained an inconsistent member of the team’s bullpen. This past winter, the Red Sox made credible offers for both Lidge and 3B Morgan Ensberg. In two separate Lidge related deals, Houston could have had their choice of slugger Manny Ramirez or a prospect package. In a recent Ken Rosenthal article on Foxsports.com, Purpurra was quoted about the possibility of a transaction involving Lidge.{ "I was asked about Lidge the other day by a Boston scout," manager Tim Purpura told FOXSports.com on Sunday. "I didn't say, 'No.' I said, 'Hell no.' }
Even in the middle of a bad spring training, the Astros had a shot to get fair value for their one time superstar. Now the team is out of options. If th
e Astros decide to send Brad Lidge down to AAA, he is a shoo-in to be claimed by another team. After a calendar year of futility on the mound, the Astros would be fortunate to receive 60 cents on the dollar for Lidge. In other words, the Astros are now playing with 24 players on their 25 man roster until the organization waves the white flag over one of “The Good Guys”. Dan Wheeler should be fine for now as closer, but the team should certainly look to improve their bullpen depth if they expect to contend this season. 
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