Phillies' Lidge shelved

One of the biggest acquisitions the Philadelphia Phillies knew they had to make in the offseason was to get a solid closer, someone who they could count on in big games and also allow for Brett Myers to get back where he should be--in the starting rotation. So they went big, spending large dollars on Brad Lidge, the smoke-throwing closer from the Houston Astros. Unfortunately, that investment won't pay off for a bit.

Lidge was placed on the 15-day DL and will be eligible to return on April 5, which is not bad, but for the injury he is rehabbing from--a knee that had arthroscopic surgery last month--these injuries are very tricky, and when you consider how he's not the biggest guy in the world and he throws so hard, the knee is one of the fulcrums to all of his mechanics and effectiveness.

Even if he returns on April 5th, expect the Phillies to ease him in. He really hasn't had anything in terms of Spring training preparation, and the Phillies do have a decent back up in Tom Gordon to fill the role. In fact, depending on if Gordon comes out and does a good job, Lidge may be shelved even longer. But I sincerely doubt it will be too long--with the money they spent to get him, he needs to provide some returns.

Picture Source: AP

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Phillies' Lidge shelved

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