Washington Nationals Sign Reliever Brad Lidge To A One-Year Deal.
by Patrick Reddington on Jan 26, 2012 11:29 AM EST
Email
Print
• Update 11:37 pm EST: CSNPhilly's Jim Salisbury, who first reported on Brad Lidge's deal with the Nats, followed up on that report with more contract details: (@JSalisburyCSN): "Nats announce one-year deal with Lidge. According to source, he gets $1 mill and incentives. Best of luck to a real competitor/gentleman."
D.C. GM Mike Rizzo told reporters yesterday that between now and Spring Training the team's goal was to simply, "... tweak the roster," a little bit. "Like I said," Rizzo continued, referring to the comments he had made in the previous fifteen minutes or so of a conversation with the nation's capital's baseball press, "We feel good about where we're at, never satisfied, need more arms, improve the bullpen, improve the bench and all those factors, but with that said, [we're] comfortable going into Spring Training with what we've got. But we can never rest on our laurels because when we rest the Phillies and the Marlins and the Braves and the Mets aren't resting, so, this is a competition and we've got to give Davey [Johnson] the best pieces to manage and try to win with."
The Nationals addressed the need for an additional arm and a veteran bullpen presence this morning by signing 35-year-old veteran right-hander Brad Lidge to a one-year deal. The Nationals announced the move via Twitter in the last few minutes. @NationalsPR: "#Nationals agree to terms with RHP Brad Lidge on a one-year contract. #Nationals’ 40-man roster currently stands at 37." A strained right posterior rotator cuff delayed the start of Lidge's 10th MLB season til July last summer and limited Lidge to just 25 appearances and 19.1 IP in his fourth year in Philadelphia. The right-hander had a 1.40 ERA, 2.82 FIP, 13 walks (6.05 BB/9) and 23 K's (10.71 K/9) on the season.
65 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
AdamKilgoreWP:
Now the bad news on Lidge: His fastball velo was 89 last year, down from 93 in 2009. Had a 90% strand rate. Still K’d 10.7 per 9, though.
stll he was productive
That is what matters.
http://unklewheezdcsportsfan.blogspot.com
by Danyon Rome on Jan 26, 2012 11:44 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
He was also working his way back from injury
With an offseason of work he may well bring that back up to 91 or so – and he was modestly effective in limited action last year. A low cost, potentially high reward signing.
I Hope He's Not....
…..2012’s version of Brian Bruney. He did, however, look great in a small sample size last season coming back from his inury. If he is truly back though, I’d say we now have an even scarier pen. I guess I am sorta excited about this signing, but now that we lost out on Fielder, I really hope we trade for a decent CF before the season starts, but I don’t know what we would trade at this point. I am NOT in favor of trading either of our middle infielders; I am NOT in favor of trading Flores right now; I am NOT in favor of trading Morse since we didn’t sign Fielder; I am NOT in favor of getting rid of even more top MiLB players; I really want to see Lombo given an opp to play regularly as a utility player. Maybe the best solution at this point, is go with what he have and see what Harper brings to the table at the MLB level. Having a team built on pitching and defense is not entirely a bad thing….the Braves were successful for many years with that recipe.
thanks, Brad!!!............
from MLBTR’s comments……..
Vincent Paterno
“Lidge’s perfect 2008 helped get the Nats to where they are. Remember the next-to-last game of the season, where the Phils clinched the NL East? Lidge induced Ryan Zimmerman to hit into a game-ending double play that also assured Washington of the worst record in the majors…and the first draft pick in 2009, which of course was Stephen Strasburg.”
"...I don't want to go watch American League baseball." -Lance Berkman....
I wanna watch the "... tape-measure-testing, laser-throwing, eyeblack-oozing baseball cyborg."
by cat daddy3000 on Jan 26, 2012 12:52 PM EST up reply actions
I was starting to think this was a potential type A next offseason if he does well but then i remembered the new CBA on relievers
Yeah, well, you know, that's just like, uh, your opinion man
Rizzo's on ESPN 980 right now if anyone's interested...
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Patrick Reddington on Jan 26, 2012 12:22 PM EST reply actions
It's not just about the money
Lidge signed for $1 million, plus incentives based on appearances and games finished. Lidge had higher offers elsewhere, but he felt comfortable with the Nationals’ direction and his place on the team.
That really says a lot about how the image of our team has improved so much.
"Just the fact that I knew something was bad, I knew it was probably broken, I knew I'd have to miss some time--that makes me upset more than anything."
by QuintinLainged on Jan 26, 2012 12:34 PM EST up reply actions
What do you think Roach…..he fits much better in our pen than in Philly, where he won’t be expected to be “the man” in the pen, and won’t be used as often or as hard as in Philly. There are not worries about injury, since we have the personnel to make up for it if it does happen, so it also relieves that pressure as well. He won’t be the only fast horse in the pen, but one of many. I see his point clearly regarding his place on the team, and I am beginning to really like this signing.
as long as he takes Slaten's spot, and can be cut at the end of ST.........
"...I don't want to go watch American League baseball." -Lance Berkman....
I wanna watch the "... tape-measure-testing, laser-throwing, eyeblack-oozing baseball cyborg."
by cat daddy3000 on Jan 26, 2012 12:45 PM EST up reply actions
He's probably taking the Coffey spot.
The way I see it, our pen is as follows:
Storen, Clippard, H-Rod, Burnett, Lidge, Gorzelanny/Detwiler, Mattheus/Kimball/Stammen
"I just want to tell you both good luck. We're all counting on you."
-Leslie Nielsen, Airplane
Kimball out until all-star break
but you probably knew that.
Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at www.DistrictSportsPage.com
"Nobody’s got a monopoly on good writing, or the facts. If you can come up with one or the other or (ideally) both, you’re in the club." --Rob Neyer, Feb. 2, 2011
by Dave at District Sports Page on Jan 26, 2012 3:08 PM EST up reply actions
I just hope it doesn't cost Craig Stammen anything...
"...I don't want to go watch American League baseball." -Lance Berkman....
I wanna watch the "... tape-measure-testing, laser-throwing, eyeblack-oozing baseball cyborg."
by cat daddy3000 on Jan 26, 2012 5:23 PM EST up reply actions
Lidge > Coffey
… and I’ll miss watching Coffey.
Is there a small chance they’ll bring him back for ST/more depth?
well, he’s technically taking the place of Todd Coffey, who pitched about 60 innings out of the pen last year. Someone will have to make up those innings, along with Balester’s 35. Gorzelanny will probably take the bulk of that work, so as long as Burnett and Mattheus pitch solidly, I’m guessing Davey will have the flexibility to not overuse Lidge.
Lidge could be used as a strikeout specialist used when Clippard isn’t available, but they perhaps don’t want to use Henry Rodriguez. Obviously, everything depends on his health, but if he’s healthy he’d be a great guy to put in high pressure situations like the ones starters create to get themselves pulled.
I like this signing just fine.. a veteran who has a high ceiling and can mentor our young guys well. Also, the one year deal is a plus.
Good signing, especially at that number
but (sigh) no more Baywatch references. I wonder if Lidge can be persuaded to run in from the bullpen?
Brain: "Pinky, are you pondering what i'm pondering?"
Pinky: "Yes, ... wait, ... no, ... never mind"
Nah, we'll just be the 3rd (4th?) team to steal THE CATCHPHRASE
“Lights-Out Lidge”
"I just want to tell you both good luck. We're all counting on you."
-Leslie Nielsen, Airplane
Games finished?
he shouldn’t have too many of those, unless the score is really lopsided or the top guys are overworked.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
For all the depression about losing out on Fielder- can’t help but smile when thinking of how improved the pitching staff seems to be this year. Stras, Gio, and J. Zimm as the top of our rotation and Lidge, Clippard, and Storen in the bullpen. That’s nasty.
"Just the fact that I knew something was bad, I knew it was probably broken, I knew I'd have to miss some time--that makes me upset more than anything."
by QuintinLainged on Jan 26, 2012 12:32 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I guess in the grand scheme of things...
a one-year deal for $1 million for a guy that used to be good isn’t that big of a deal whether he contributes on the field or not (guess which way I’m leaning). wonder how much leadership he brings from the D.L.?
Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at www.DistrictSportsPage.com
"Nobody’s got a monopoly on good writing, or the facts. If you can come up with one or the other or (ideally) both, you’re in the club." --Rob Neyer, Feb. 2, 2011
by Dave at District Sports Page on Jan 26, 2012 1:27 PM EST reply actions
You don't think that he can pitch up to Coffey's production?
Low risk, high reward. Just hope that we don’t have to deal with him falling short against the Phillies.
Waiting to bang my drum in parades for the Nats and Caps.
i'm skeptical he hold up health-wise
plus, he lost all control in his short 19 innings last season (6.1 BB/9). IF he’s healthy and can stay that way, sure, he probably gives you wnat Coffey did. except at twice the pay.
Your voice of doom and gloom. Read more at www.DistrictSportsPage.com
"Nobody’s got a monopoly on good writing, or the facts. If you can come up with one or the other or (ideally) both, you’re in the club." --Rob Neyer, Feb. 2, 2011
by Dave at District Sports Page on Jan 26, 2012 3:09 PM EST up reply actions
So, assuming Lidge actually earns significant incentives if he does well...
Either he’ll fail miserably for 1 million, or he’ll give us about what Coffey did for maybe 50K more than Coffey cost us.
"I just want to tell you both good luck. We're all counting on you."
-Leslie Nielsen, Airplane
I imagine his upside is to do much better than Coffey for fewer innings
a 3.60 ERA from Lidge would be a disappointment for most people.
I'd take that.
I’d also take, however, the aforementioned 3.6 (well…3.25, maybe?) ERA in exchange for a few more innings out of him.
"I just want to tell you both good luck. We're all counting on you."
-Leslie Nielsen, Airplane
An interesting, stealthy addition to the club.
Lidge adds another 7th-8th inning option, but muddies the water in the 2012 bullpen a little. Adding him leaves the Nats with 14 rostered arms capable of RP duties – Here they are broken down by LH/RH, with total & bottom line counts in parenthesis.
Left-handers (5/3)
Ross Detwiler – Long reliever – spot starter.
Tom Gorzelanny – Middle/Long relief – spot starter.
Matt Purke – Likely optioned to HAG/POT to start year.
Sean Burnett – 7th inning – lefty specialist.
Atahualpa Severino – Probably optioned to SYR.
Right-Handers (9/4)
Yuniesky Maya – Probably optioned to SYR.
Craig Stammen – Probably optioned to SYR.
Cole Kimball – Starts year on 60-DL.
Ryan Perry – Likely optioned to SYR.
Ryan Mattheus – Likely optioned to SYR.
Brad Lidge – 7th inning – setup.
Henry Rodriguez – middle relief.
Tyler Clippard – 8th inning – setup.
Drew Storen – Closer.
"Things are going great, and they're only gettin' better..." Timbuk3
I kind of expect Mattheus in the majors to start, or as soon as there's room
In Patrick’s new article, he has a Rizzo quote that includes Mattheus with the regulars.
The pesky question of course is what to do with the 6th starter (8 man pen?). It sounds like Stammen is out of luck again, at least until somebody gets hurt.
arrrgghhhh!!!!
not the Stammenator again?!?
"...I don't want to go watch American League baseball." -Lance Berkman....
I wanna watch the "... tape-measure-testing, laser-throwing, eyeblack-oozing baseball cyborg."
by cat daddy3000 on Jan 26, 2012 5:26 PM EST up reply actions
The Stammenator! Not only does it pitch...
That’s right, it filets, it chops, it dices, slices,
Never stops, lasts a lifetime, mows your lawn
And it mows your lawn and it picks up the kids from school
It gets rid of unwanted facial hair, it gets rid of embarrassing age spots,
It delivers a pizza, and it lengthens, and it strengthens
And it finds that slipper that’s been at large
under the chaise lounge for several weeks
And it plays a mean Rhythm Master,
It makes excuses for unwanted lipstick on your collar
And it’s only a dollar, step right up, it’s only a dollar, step right up
(Tom Waits)
by PerryMason on Jan 26, 2012 6:02 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
totally rec'd!!
"...I don't want to go watch American League baseball." -Lance Berkman....
I wanna watch the "... tape-measure-testing, laser-throwing, eyeblack-oozing baseball cyborg."
by cat daddy3000 on Jan 26, 2012 6:16 PM EST up reply actions
isnt stammen out of options?
not sure that he would clear waivers either
Yeah, well, you know, that's just like, uh, your opinion man
One quibble
Davey’s stated his desire for both a LH and RH long reliever/swing man. That means either Stammen or Mattheus, at the cost of one of the LH long men.
Brain: "Pinky, are you pondering what i'm pondering?"
Pinky: "Yes, ... wait, ... no, ... never mind"
so, there's a chance for Stammen?
yay…
"...I don't want to go watch American League baseball." -Lance Berkman....
I wanna watch the "... tape-measure-testing, laser-throwing, eyeblack-oozing baseball cyborg."
by cat daddy3000 on Jan 26, 2012 5:27 PM EST up reply actions
LOVE This move
1. I rember watching Lidge just dominate in the 05ASG from about 5 rows back from the dugout. One of my favortie baseball memories
2. The price is great, were paying him what a iffy middle reliver gets, his downside might be a bit lower, but his upside is huge. We have the depth to deal with any injury problems too.
MOAR SEVERINO!
I do not think that word means what you think it means
if it is indeed a word. That’s at least the fifth time you’ve posted this statement. A little variety/exposition would be nice…
Brain: "Pinky, are you pondering what i'm pondering?"
Pinky: "Yes, ... wait, ... no, ... never mind"
Agreed. I don't begrudge anyone a negative opinion, but if one is going to invent terms to express displeasure...
One needs to define said terms.
"I just want to tell you both good luck. We're all counting on you."
-Leslie Nielsen, Airplane
Great Move
Great move, but I especially like it for the good-character and mentoring angles, for this young BP. Probably helps counsel the starters some too. But clearly he has plenty of upside as well. My sense is that the BP is going to be both deep and a real strength of this team. I think that means, with SS and Zim on innings limits, that we’ll see (and be comfortable with) starters rarely going more than about 6 innings. This is one of the ways we help SS make it to Sept… :-)
Unrelated, now that Gomes to OAK is official, wasn’t there some sort of compensatory pick for the Nats, like a third rounder in June’s draft?
-bdbd
thats only if the nats had offered him arbitration
they chose not to as there were indications he would accept
Yeah, well, you know, that's just like, uh, your opinion man
(They chose not to because he wasn't REMOTELY worth what the arbiters would have awarded him)
"I just want to tell you both good luck. We're all counting on you."
-Leslie Nielsen, Airplane
Also, didn't he just-barely-miss Type B because of his horrible performance while a Nat?
"I just want to tell you both good luck. We're all counting on you."
-Leslie Nielsen, Airplane
I thought they were going with the "20% rule"
…which would limit him to 195-200 IP?
Rob
--"Well my days of not taking you seriously are certainly coming to a middle." -- Mal Reynolds
Not exactly.
I thought they were going with the “once he passes 180, we’ll be treating him like glass”
"I just want to tell you both good luck. We're all counting on you."
-Leslie Nielsen, Airplane
Wow...........
Another limit…………… out of nowhere :O(
Good move..........
Its just Lidge instead of Coffey.
Lidge = Coffey - weight + Veteran Leadership (TM)
"I just want to tell you both good luck. We're all counting on you."
-Leslie Nielsen, Airplane
if lidge is taking coffeys rotation spot in the pen
Then he better feckin sprint out to the mound every goddamn time he pitches
"Through your existence, become wealthy, knowledge is king"- Nasir Jones
"When you play for the Wizards, [Gilbert Arenas] is like Michael Jackson. He's playin with a lot of Tito Jacksons." - Charles Barkley
by XAGMNINETY on Jan 27, 2012 1:42 AM EST via iPhone app reply actions
And bulk up some...
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Patrick Reddington on Jan 27, 2012 7:43 AM EST up reply actions
I assume Lidge would look better imagining him in a red Speedo ...
Brain: "Pinky, are you pondering what i'm pondering?"
Pinky: "Yes, ... wait, ... no, ... never mind"
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Federal Baseball
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
GAMETHREAD SPONSOR
In Association With
Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
- College player makes impossible over the fence catch to save tournament game (Video)
- Security!: Camden Yards guard collides with Royals’ Mike Moustakas
- The Juice: Nelson Cruz matches career high eight RBIs, Pujols stays hot in Seattle
- Benches clear at Fenway as Red Sox-Rays rivalry heats up
- Keeping good company: Albert Pujols becomes fourth-youngest player to hit 450 home runs
