Do you think they waited long enough???

[KR-V3]

Not sure if this was brought up already.....but the Astros finally send Lidge to middle relief. Kind of feel sorry for the guy, but just to many runs given up late in games. Then again the rest of thier BP sucks ass too!!! Can't see Clemens going back.....he'll end up in NY or Boston.

[GrandPa]

The big "decision" or mistake occurred in the offseason, when faced with the option of trading one of MLB's best closers of 2004-5, with some trade value ( 32 of 38 opps), or resigning, went for the latter.

And at $5M per, what role is the right one? 6th inning, or mop up in blowouts? That's a little above budgeted market value for that role. Now they are stuck with him, and though his stuff is electric and will probably flourish elsewhere, the 'stros have f'ed themselves in terms of return value.

In Lidge defense (somewhat), the last outing could have been for ZERO runs, had the regular SS been in the game for an inning ending DP off of Pujols. And the ball that Burke didn't get to in CF would have been an out had the team held onto Willy Tavares, instead of sacrificing all defensive options to ensure Biggio gets to 3000 hits in a HOU uniform.

Trust me, the OF will lose as many or more games than the pitching staff, though the arms will get most of the blame.

[KJ1000]

Lidge has some electric stuff, but it does not matter when the grey matter up top keeps you from throwing the right pitch at the right time. Lidge is ruined from the Pujols homer from the playoffs over a year ago. No offense, but a closer with 6 blown saves and over a 5 era is not getting it done, as was his line last year. The writing on the wall was there, but the Astros management blew another one (I won't even touch the farce that is Biggio's selfish quest).

I like Lidge as he is a playa and seems to be a genuinely nice guy, but he is mentally messed up. He needs a change of scenery, albeit it is going to be tough to move him due to pennies on the dollar worth at this time.

I have watched this kid through his glory and at his worst, it hurts to watch him come out there now. He has lost all confidence. Wheeler is not much better with placement. Astros are in for a very rocky ride and the bats better come alive as that is the only way I see them winning now, imo.

With all apologies to gramps, another boneheaded move/non-move by a Houston sport's franchise team (for further evidence, view the Houston Texans who are the key stone cops of the NFL in terms of team building).

[rented mule]

With his arm, he still has something to offer. He needs a change of scenery. He's done with the Astros.

I did notice that Wheeler struggled nailing down that save today, BTW.

[weazel079]

A agree. Lidge needs to put on a new uniform and see if he can turn it around. He does have good stuff but makes too many mistakes.