Lidge Finds Salvation In Philly

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 11 -- To consider how and where Brad Lidge achieved redemption makes his comeback sound that much more improbable, perhaps even absurd.

Three years ago, as a member of the Houston Astros, Lidge gave up a home run to Albert Pujols, made famous by the trail of fire created upon its reentry into the atmosphere. Lidge suffered the indignity of losing his job as the Astros' closer, regaining it, and losing it again.

Questions lingered as to whether yielding that prodigious shot in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series began his perceived two-year slide. There is no disputing, however, that by the time he was jettisoned via trade, the fans of Houston were glad to be rid of him.

"Booed like crazy," he said.

Lidge, 31, said he never lost confidence, though the perception by most was that he had none left, that the constant scrutiny wore him down, that he needed a new place, and that of all the cities in baseball, Philadelphia and its notoriously unforgiving fans might be the most ill-suited for a player in his position.

So, where did Lidge find salvation? Strangely enough, in Philly, where he has won over even the most fickle fans with a remarkable streak.

After converting on all 41 of his save chances for the Phillies during the regular season, he's made good on all four of his chances in the postseason, the latest coming on Friday night, when the Phillies beat the Los Angeles Dodgers, 8-5, to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the NLCS.

"I never would have never dreamed that the season would have been like it's been," Lidge said. "Part of that is how I've pitched, and part of that is how our team's done. Those two things together have made this kind of a dream season for me."

The offseason trade for Lidge has proved to be a key reason that the Phillies, who face Los Angeles on Sunday night in Game 3, are closing in on their first World Series appearance since 1993. With Lidge, the Phillies were able to move Game 2 winner Brett Myers into the starting rotation. And with the closer's dominance, Phillies games have essentially been reduced to eight-inning affairs.

"He's been perfect in the closer's role," Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel said last week, in remarkably literal characterization. "He's been the best in the National League as far as I'm concerned. I mean, who is better than he is? He's been perfect."

Dubbed with the nickname "Lights Out" out by his fans, Lidge's consecutive saves streak stands at 48, including four in his five postseason appearances.

The key remains Lidge's outstanding start. When he landed in Philadelphia, ex-Phillie Billy Wagner warned that Lidge needed to show results immediately to gain acceptance. The support showed by coaching staff also was a critical factor.