It's official "Lights Out" for Lidge

[Castor27]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4698986.html

[KFDM COOP]

After rough start, Lidge no longer Houston's closerAssociated Press

CHICAGO -- One week into the season, the Houston Astros have a new closer.

Karabell on Wheeler

Dan Wheeler, you've just become the most popular kid on the fantasy baseball block, writes ESPN.com's Eric Karabell. Blog 

Brad Lidge was demoted Monday in favor of Dan Wheeler, a move made one day after Lidge gave up five runs in two-thirds of an inning against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Wheeler made the most of his first opportunity, throwing a 1-2-3 ninth inning for his first save in Houston's 5-3 win over the Cubs

Lidge has saved 29 or more games in each of the last three seasons for Houston but had a 16.20 ERA and a blown save entering Monday's game against the Chicago Cubs. The Astros started the season with five losses in six games.

"I wrestled with this all of yesterday," manager Phil Garner said. "I feel that I have to make this move for the benefit of the team. In the situation that we are in right now, we can't afford to lose any more ballgames late."

Lidge was 1-5 with a 5.28 ERA and 32 saves in 38 chances last year.

"It was surprising, but not totally unjustified," he said. "I understand that it's about results. Right now, my first two outings haven't been there."

Lidge will be used in middle relief, and Garner left open the possibility Lidge could regain his job as closer.

"I don't know how much time this will take," Garner said. "It may be that he throws three or four times and gets thrust back into the closing role."

Wheeler is now 0-1 with one save and a 6.00 ERA in three games.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

[12]

This might get interesting...

[Guest Diva]

Thank God!  It's about time Phil started reading my posts here at SETXsports!

At least now maybe I can take my hairdresser off of speed dial.... :

[Diehardstro]

"Only an hour after saying it was too early to change closers, Astros manager Phil Garner removed Brad Lidge from the job and handed it to Dan Wheeler on Monday afternoon before opening a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field."

Sounds like someone pulled rank on Gar.

"I wrestled with this all of yesterday," manager Phil Garner said.

Hmm, so what's it gonna be, an hour, or all of yesterday?

[KFDM COOP]

[Lazeek]

LIdge will be with another team before the trade deadline, I guarantee that!!!!!

[soking]

nope...he has feelings for the stros and he wont leave that easy...if he does hopefully its one in the same division hahaha

[bleacher_bum]

nope...he has feelings for the stros and he wont leave that easy...if he does hopefully its one in the same division hahaha

Yea, I'd like to see him go to the Cards. ;D

[KFDM COOP]

Our luck he would starting pitching good again!!! I've seen that several times where a player leaves the Astros and becomes better!!

[vp93]

It's all mental for him. I actually expect him to pitch better on the road then at home. This might only make the problem worse for him. They can't trade him now, no one will give them enough for him.

[12]

I agree- his trade value has plummeted.  Trading him might actually inspire him to pitch better, especially when he faces Houston again.

[lonestar]