Astros deal Lidge, Bruntlett to Philly

The Philadelphia Phillies became the first team to make a big move at the general managers' meetings, acquiring closer Brad Lidge from Houston along with infielder Eric Bruntlett on Wednesday night.

The Astros received speedy outfielder Michael Bourn, right-hander Geoff Geary and minor league third baseman Mike Costanzo.

It's interesting that the first move by new GM Wade sorta attempts to "undo" the loss of Tavares in the dumbass Jennings deal. Bourn is young and will provide speed in center. Giving up Bruntlett means little. Not sure about Lidge.

 

another in a long line of stupid Astros moves.

Lidge pitched beautifully in the 2nd half of the season, and it's just my opinion, but with the demand for relievers, especially potential closers, they got next to nothing in return.

 

I dunno...this trade seems OK to me. Lidge will be a free agent in a year, and these young prospects have years to go before hitting the free agent market.

I'm always a big fan of getting OF speed, especially with the large centerfield in MMP. Lidge did pitch well in the second half, but he was still prone to blowing it. I don't think anybody doubts his stuff -- it's his consistency that's the issue.

I really like Bruntlett too, as he's like a less douchebag version of Eckstein. Not a big piece to trade to get younger and build for the future though.

I hope Lidge returns to his former dominance, as he's been a stand-up guy beyond anybody's expectations. He was crucial in some great years for the Stros, and deserves another shot. I don't think he was going to turn it around enough in Houston.

I do feel bad for him having to go to Philly, home of Mitch Williams and the meanest fans in the US.

 

is this a salary dump?

 

No, I think they were finally able to come to grips with the fact that Lidge wasn't likely to become a dominant closer again. They also (finally) know that they have to get more athletic and younger if they want to build a legit team again.

I'm out of my depth on determining if there were better possible trades out there, but I don't think this was a salary dump. Of course, from a salary perspective, it does make a lot of sense.

Drayton McLane gets an unfair rap about being a penny pincher, IMO. He is fairly criticized for being meddlesome and running off Hunsicker.

 

I guess it depends on which side of Lidge would've showed up next spring. NLMD pretty much sums up my feelings on Lidge in his 1st post above. I watched him play here in AAA and he was/is a favorite of mine. But consistency has been a problem. I wish him the best.

 

I change my feelings knowing he is a free agent to be.

b/c there is zero chance of him resigning with the Astros with all the mental problems he'd had.

I still think they could have raped someone at the trade deadline for him, though, but to each his own, i guess.

 

well with Brett Myers, Lidge, Flash Gordon, etc... they have a lot of hard throwers out there now.

I assume Myers will probably become a rotation guy again now, though.