Now here's some great news, Phillies fans. The team has inked closer Brad Lidge to a 3-year extension worth $37.5 million, with performance incentives and a 2012 club option.
Lidge has been lights-out, closing everything that's come his way through the first half of the season and anchoring the NL's best bullpen. His off-season acquisition for Michael Bourn et al may go down as the best move of Pat Gillick's tenure in Philly, as it helped to transform the late-inning arms into one of the team's greatest strengths.
Lidge came to Philly with a lot to put behind him and a lot to prove in his new scenery. After watching him dominate, then severely struggle in Houston, we liked the acquisition, but weren't so sure how it would pan out. Well, Lidge has bested our highest expectations to the tune of 19 saves, ZERO blown saves, 47 strikeouts in 35 innings, a 0.77 ERA, and a 1.05 WHIP. Keep it up, Lidge. This town loves a great closer.
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