What do you do with Brad Lidge ?

Looking forward to the Round Rock Express, Houston's AAA PCL team, starting it's 8th season this week. Looking over the Astros lineup last nite, I was reminded of the 2001 season when Brad Lidge pitched here. In AA, which the Express was at the time, he appeared to be a man among boys. I found myself looking at the radar posting more than watching him pitch. After a few outings, he had some injuries and that's about all we saw of him except for a few relief appearances in 2002. But you had to know the guy was special.

In 2004, he had 29 saves for the Astros, 42 in 2005. Then, the horrible 2006 season where his ERA went to over 5 from just over 2 the year before. I was really pulling for him in spring training although he did not return to 2005 form. I was on the edge of my seat last nite when he took the mound with a lead and an opportunity to save. I wanted to see the guy do good and prove to himself that he's back.

Whack. Base hit. Bam. Home Run. Game over. Astros lose.

Garner says Lidge is his closer but for how long ? I hope he gets his chances to turn it around cause the Astros need him. But I'm glad I don't have to make the decision on his fate. Right now, he looks like a mighty expensive way to blow a game. Oh well, what the hell, it's baseball season. I smell a hot dog and a cold beer. Take me out to the ball game.

 

I saw Pettit, too. He was pretty cool with the fans. Drove up in his pickup from Houston. Threw his innings. Signed autographs, got in his truck and drove back to Houston. Kinda like a regular guy. Except for the $15 million a year.:hihi:

The Dell is an incredible place. Bought my season tickets when they were operating out of a trailer in a cornfield in 1999 before the stadium was built. Went out there to buy 2 and for some reason bought 4. Have always been glad I did. Lots of good times.

cajunsensation - I will have an extra beer in your honor.

 

It just seems that he has never been the same since the '05 NLCS. I hope he can turn it around. Otherwise, it is shaping up to be a long season for the 'Stros. It's still early. But the same things are ringing true. Starting pitching not getting much run support. Bullpen unable to hold on to leads. I hope the 'Stros can get it turned around.

 

Me, too. Lidge's salary is listed in this morning's paper at $5.3 million. That should buy more than blown saves. I'm pullin' for him. They're gonna need him (or someone else).

Speaking of salaries, saw Chris Burke's salary given as about $400,000 a year. Burke got $2 million signing bonus out of Tennessee. Roy Oswalt is making $13 million a year. And the lesson....? Teach your kids to pitch.:hihi:

 

My 6th grader pitched five innings between two games his team played last night, only one earned run !

 

That's great! Now get him in that new batting cage and make sure he's a pitcher who can hit too.......now go on and get busy Hatch. :hihi:

 

Yeah, but if he is a pitcher who can hit, make sure he does not go to Tulane.

 

He can hit, that's why I was pickin- Hatcher has a lil baller. :thumb:

 

Cool deal.