Well the real Brad Lidge has stepped up.

When the Phillies traded Michael Bourn, Geoff Geary, and Mike Constanzo for the former elite closer (and Eric Bruntlett), it immediately fueled speculation at Philadelphia sports radio stations, bars, and water-coolers.  Would a change of scenery be what Lidge needed to return to his former dominant ways, or did Pat Gillick deal one of the fastest players in the game and a power-hitting prospect for an overpriced wash-up?

There’s never been any doubt in Lidge’s ability.  Armed with a mid-90’s fastball and one of the best sliders in all of baseball, he has the tools to enter a game in any situation and gets the big out.  That if his head doesn’t get in the way.

October 17, 2005 was the turning point in the career of Brad Lidge.  In Game 5 of the NLCS, the Astros called on Lidge to protect a two-run lead.  At the time, Lidge was as automatic as they come. That was until he threw one bad pitch.

With two on and two-outs, Lidge hung a slider to Albert Pujols.  Pujols jumped on the pitch and and deposited the pitch 412 feet from home plate, over the center field wall.  While the Astros lost that game, they still won the series, making their first trip to the World Series (which they were swept by the Chicago White Sox), but Lidge was never the same.

Prior to the Pujols home run, Lidge was arguably the best closer in the National League.  His stats speak for themselves. 

His stats prior to the home run: 10-9, 2.07 ERA, 71 saves (150 games)

His stats after the home run:       6-8, 4.37 ERA, 51 saves (144 games)

Granted, Lidge has suffered some physical setbacks since 2005, but even when healthy was unable to regain his old form.

Given these facts, it’s understandable why people would question the Phillies for acquiring Lidge.  A closer who developed a pattern of wilting under pressure.  Not here…

This is Philadelphia.  We live and die by our Phillies, Flyers, Eagles, and Sixers.  When a player is doing good, there’s not a better city to play in, but when you’re doing bad, we’ll let you know.  This city isn’t for the weak minded athlete.

OKay, back to Lidge…  So you’re going to take a former elite closer, who’s lost his dominance because of one blown save, put him in a small ballpark in front of fans who expect perfection.  It’s a recipe of disaster.  One blown save early in the season, and it could be all over for Mr. Lidge. 

Or so it seems…

Lidge has seemed to find the answer to this.  Complete dominance.  While Bourn is hitting .200 and Constanzo is in th Orioles organization, Lidge is again the best closer in the National League.  In 20 appearances, Lidgeis 1-0, with12 saves and a 0.43 ERA.  Although we’re only nearing two months into the season, Lidge’s confidence is growing with each outing.

October 17, 2005 was the first turning point in Lidge’s career.  It appears November 7, 2007 was the second.