Phils Get Astros' Lidge In 5-Player Swap

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) Closer Brad Lidge was traded by the Houston Astros to the Philadelphia Phillies along with infielder Eric Bruntlett on Wednesday night in the first deal of the general managers'

Wednesday, November 7th 2007, 9:50 pm

By: News On 6

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) Closer Brad Lidge was traded by the Houston Astros to the Philadelphia Phillies along with infielder Eric Bruntlett on Wednesday night in the first deal of the general managers' meetings.

In exchange for Brad Lidge and Eric Bruntlett, the Astros got outfielder Michael Bourn, right-hander Geoff Geary and minor league third baseman Mike Costanzo.

The 30-year-old Brad Lidge was 5-3 with 19 saves in 27 chances for the Astros last year. He struggled to close out games but held batters to a .218 average and averaged 11.8 strikeouts per nine innings.

Philadelphia intends to move Brett Myers, who had been their closer, back into the starting rotation.

Eric Bruntlett hit .246 with 14 RBIs last season, seeing time at shortstop, third base and the outfield.

Michael Bourn batted .277 as a rookie this year with one homer, six RBIs and 18 steals, and Geoff Geary was 3-2 with a 4.41 ERA with the Phillies. Mike Costanzo, 24, batted .270 with 27 homers and 86 RBIs at Double-A Reading.