PHILLIES NEWS

The Phillies made their first big offseason move today, acquiring utility infielder Eric Bruntlett and closer Brad Lidge from the Astros for Micheal Bourn, Geoff Geary, and minor league 3rd baseman Mike Costanzo. Bruntlett is a good fielder, but only an average hitter. So like Abraham Nunez was last season, he'll be a key defensive replacement late in games, but don't expect him to pinch hit to often. Lidge, was the NL's best closer, in 2005. Then he had a horrible world series, twice allowing the White Sox to score the winning runs, in a laughable 4 game sweep for Chicago. Until this past season he appeared to be mentally fractured by that world series experience, and even lost his closer job to setup man Dan Wheeler. Then midway through the 2007 season, something clicked within him and he suddenly found his groove racking up 19 saves in the final months of the season, while holding opponents to a .218 batting average, and striking out 11.8 batters per 9 innings. At last, he finally appeared at least partially like his old self, during this time and should once again be a premier closer for the Phils this season. Also, since they now have Lidge, Brett Myers will likely return to the Phils starting rotation, which should be interesting.