Nats add Lidge to bullpen: MLB.com reports that the Nationals have an agreement to sign free agent RP Brad Lidge to a one-year deal. The one-time closer appeared in 25 games for the Phillies last season after he returned from a shoulder injury midseason. Lidge compiled a 1.40 ERA, but he ultimately lost the ninth-inning role to Ryan Madson. (Updated 01/26/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 2/12/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Lidge will probably help to set up for Nationals closer Drew Storen. While Lidge doesn't figure to get many saves, he is still a good source of strikeouts and can be used in leagues that utilize middle men. (Updated 01/26/2012).
10/04/2011 22:55 Late innings a worry as sluggish bullpen could sink Phils' season
Ben Francisco's improbably three-run homer in Game 3 may make him a hero in Philly for years to come. But Danny Knobler says for now, late innings worry the Phillies as their bullpen could end their season.
10/04/2011 20:35 Francisco's pinch-hit HR gives Phils 2-1 series lead
Pinch-hitter Ben Francisco and closer Ryan Madson made manager Charlie Manuel's moves look smart, and the Philadelphia Phillies held off the St. Louis Cardinals 3-2 on Tuesday for a 2-1 lead in their NL playoff series.
09/26/2011 22:40 Braves' swoon continues as Phillies rally for the win
The Atlanta Braves took another wrenching loss in their September swoon, squandering an early two-run lead against Cliff Lee as the playoff-bound Philadelphia Phillies rallied for a 4-2 victory Monday night.
09/24/2011 15:48 Mets 2, Phillies 1
R.A. Dickey took a no-hit bid into the seventh inning, David Wright hit a tiebreaking double in the eighth and the New York Mets beat the slumping Philadelphia Phillies 2-1 Saturday in the opener of a day-night doubleheader, sending the NL East champions to their seventh consecutive loss.
The Phillies never planned for Ryan Madson to close for them last year. They planned for Brad Lidge to recover from his biceps injury in time for opening day. But when that biceps injury gave way to a partially torn rotator cuff, Lidge's timetable went from weeks to months, opening the door for Madson to claim the closer role permanently. Lidge did eventually return in July and pitched quite well in a setup role, posting a 1.40 ERA with his usual high strikeout rate in 25 appearances, but the Phillies were willing to turn the page on him, allowing him to sign with the Nationals this offseason. Now that he's clearly behind Drew Storen for ninth-inning duties, he might be done as a closer at age 35. He's a player to leave for NL-only leagues. (Updated 1/27/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
= probable start