If Brad Lidge were just another Astros' farmhand who had never been a dominant closer in the bigs, he'd probably be starting the season in Round Rock or Corpus Christi playing for one of the team's minor league affiliates. Why? Because most guys who carry a 12+ ERA through most of the spring usually don't break camp with the big league club.
Most baseball fans know that ever since Bert Pujols' HR off of him in Game 5 of the 2005 NLCS, Lidge has pretty much lost his mojo. However, through a very rough 2006 that saw him demoted from his closer role to mid-relief, back to closer and then demoted again, Lidge remained a stand-up guy. The local reporters in H-town have nothing but respect for the guy and the way he carries himself out on the field, he just doesn't have the look of a beaten man.
As of now, Lidge is slated to begin the season as the Astros' closer. I really want to believe that the Lidge can be the closer, but given the fact that the Astros only lost the division by a game and a half last season, I just think the margin of error they have is too slim to be patient. Particularly when you have guys on the squad who can close today.
I really am pulling for you Lidge because if you can get yourself back into circa 2005 post season form, I really like the Astros' chances of getting back into the post season. But if it's up and down Lidge like last season, then I hope you enjoy your battle for third place guys.
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