Lidge dealt...

[Mario-Rijo]

The Hot Stove just got kicked off in grand style. And apparently the Astro's have made initial contact with Closer Francisco Cordero. That's bad news for any of us expecting the Red's to have a shot at Cordero. The Astro's have the money to extend him a sizable contract in the 4 yrs 40 million dollar+ range and have a likely more desirable location for Cordero.

Lidge goes to Phillies from Astros for Bourn, Geary

By Jerry Crasnick
ESPN.com
(Archive)

Updated: November 7, 2007, 10:49 PM ET

ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Philadelphia Phillies acquired reliever Brad Lidge from the Houston Astros in a five-player trade on Wednesday night.

The Phillies sent outfielder Michael Bourn, pitcher Geoff Geary and minor leaguer Mike Costanzo to Houston, and received infielder Eric Bruntlett in addition to Lidge.

It was the first trade of the general managers' meetings this year.

The 30-year-old Lidge was 5-3 with 19 saves in 27 chances for the Astros last year. He struggled to close out games but held batters to a .218 average and averaged 11.8 strikeouts per nine innings.

Philadelphia intends to move Brett Myers, who had been their closer, back into the starting rotation.

Bruntlett hit .246 with 14 RBIs last season, seeing time at shortstop, third base and the outfield.

Bourn batted .277 as a rookie this year with one homer, six RBIs and 18 steals, and Geary was 3-2 with a 4.41 ERA with the Phillies. Costano, 24, batted .270 with 27 homers and 86 RBIs at Double-A Reading.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

The first major trade of the off-season.

[brewersfan19]

I was surprised that the Phillies gave up Bourn in that deal. Bourn is fast and con help ignite an offense. You just cant teach speed.

[Slyder]

At least this ends the stupid/crazy EdE or Dunn for Lidge rumors you hear all the time about. Hopefully we can convince Cordero were closer to competing for NL Central Titles while Houston's going no where fast.