2008 Chachi #42 Brad Lidge AS

So apparently there has been something wrong with Brad Lidge. The Phillies closer was placed on the DL today due to a right knee sprain. The move means that Ryan Madson is the team's temporary closer, until (and if) GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. spins a trade for another closer.

Personally, I like Madson at the back end of the bullpen, especially since he's looked brilliant at times this year in the 8th inning set-up role. In 29 games so far this year, Mad Dog has an ERA of 2.22 and decent strikeout/walk ratio of 31 to 9. In 28.1 innings, he has yet to allow a home run.

To take Lidge's place on the roster, the Phils selected the contract of veteran catcher Paul Bako from AA Reading. The addition of Bako will allow Chris Coste to be used as a right-handed bat off the bench. Bako will be card #40 in the 2009 Chachi set . . . as soon as I can find a decent (and recent) picture of the guy.