Earlier this week, the Phillies signed right-hander Chad Durbin to a one-year contract, sparking memories of the now distant 2008 World Championship season. Durbin was a key part of the Phillies '08 team, serving as a middle reliever and occasional set up guy and pitching to an impressive 2.87 ERA. He struggled a little over the next three seasons, but had a great season last year with the Braves. Durbin went 4-1 in 76 games in 2012, with a 3.10 ERA. He seemed to always pitch especially well against the Phillies.
Durbin is one of two Phillies relievers from the 2008 World Series roster still active. Here's a brief rundown of what happened to the rest of his bullpen mates:
J.C. Romero (lhp) - Romero was released by the Phillies in June 2011. Since then, he's appeared in 28 games for the Rockies, Cardinals and Orioles with an ERA of 7.08. The Orioles released him in August and he's currently looking for employment.
Scott Eyre (lhp) - Eyre rode into the sunset after an impressive 2009 season (1.50 ERA in 42 games) with the Phillies. He was publishing a blog, Traveling the Country in an RV, up until July 2011.
Brad Lidge (rhp) - Lidge announced his retirement in early December. A true class act, Lidge's performance went south after his perfect 2008 season. Froom 2009 to 2012 with the Phils and Nationals, Lidge went 1-12 with a 5.08 ERA.
Clay Condrey (rhp) - Condrey left the Phillies following the 2009 season and signed with the Twins. His one-year deal with the Twins was the biggest contract he'd ever sign at $900,000. Unfortunately, elbow problems derailed his career and he never actually pitched for Minnesota.
Ryan Madson (rhp) - Madson assumed the closer's role for the Phillies in 2011, converting 32 saves. He signed a one-year deal with the Reds prior to the 2012 season, but needed Tommy John surgery to repair his right arm. The Angels took a chance on him this past offseason, and Madson hopes to get his career back on track in 2013.
Technically, J.A. Happ could be added to this list as he was on the World Series roster but never appeared in a game. Happ was shipped to the Astros in July 2010 for Roy Oswalt. Two years later, he was part of another deadline deal sending him to the Blue Jays.
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