Phillies Trade for Pitching

The Phillies 2008 pitching staff came into focus a little more on Wednesday as Pat Gillick made a deal with Ed Wade for closer Brad Lidge.  The trade implies that the club will move Brett Myers back into a starting role to solidify the rotation with Hamels, Myers, Moyer, Kendrick, and Eaton (with Myers officially losing his ace role).  Lidge, who is third on the all-time Astros save list, struggled a bit last year recording just 19 saves in 27 opportunities.  He does tend to come up big with strikeouts though as he averaged 11.8 per nine innings last season.  However it should be noted that he did have surgery to repair torn cartilage in his right knee the day after the season ended.

The Phils also picked up infielder Eric Bruntlett who hit .246 with 14 RBIs last season, while seeing time at shortstop, third base and the outfield.  Heading to Houston will be Michael Bourn, Geoff Geary and former top pick of the Phillies 2005 draft, Michael Costanzo.  The departure of Bourn and Geary may come back to haunt the Philllies if they are unable to resign Aaron Rowand and/or J.C. Romero.  Bourn came up huge last year, albiet briefly, when Shane Victorino went down with injury and although he has been considered a valuable part of the Phillies future, trade rumors have surrounded him since his call to the majors.  Geary was less consistent and often the odd-man out when it came to roster moves, but now since he’s about out of options

, it made sense that he was involved in the trade.

I like the move if only because it brings Brett Myers back into the rotation where I believe he is more valuable.  I know we’re not getting the Lidge of 2005, but if he pitches well in Spring Training and shows he is healthy, I think he will be good enough.