MLB Hall of Fame: Breaking down the ballot

Brad Lidge – 1st Time on Ballot

When one thinks of Brad Lidge, one typically remembers the ball that Albert Pujols launched into orbit when facing him during the 2005 NLCS.

While it is commonly thought that Pujols’ bomb broke Lidge, that was not the case. He had a down 2006 campaign, but followed that up with dominant performances in 2007 and 2008. In the latter year, he notched 41 saves while helping the Phillies to their second World Series title. Although he would have his struggles from time to time, including whenever he faced Xavier Nady in 2007, Lidge remained a solid closer.

A two time All Star, Lidge had four seasons with over 30 saves, and reached the 40 save plateau twice. He ended his 11 year career with 225 saves, posting a 3.54 ERA and a 1.291 WHiP. Lidge was known for his bouts of wildness, with 287 walks in his 603.1 innings, but he also struck out 799 batters.

Lidge was a good closer, but was prone to the occasional blowup on the mound. His 2006 and 2009 campaigns were essentially napalm, but overall, Lidge was a good closer. He helped the Astros and Phillies to the postseason, and had a 2.18 ERA and 18 saves in his 39 playoff appearances. However, that is not enough to earn a spot in Cooperstown.

Brad Lidge was far more than that one disastrous pitch to Albert Pujols. A solid closer, he was a key piece for Houston and Philadelphia.