For the Astros, it would be a steep price to pay for unloading a talent like Lidge. The Phillies also would view that as a steep price, but Phillies general manager Pat Gillick has a solid relationship with the Astros' top decision-makers, Tal Smith and Tim Purpura. They trust each other and would know they were trying to work out a fair deal for the success of both franchises. Moreover, Gillick would know that the Braves also have a need for quality bullpen help and a top young, switch-hitting catcher in Jarrod Saltalamacchia, 22, who is stuck behind Brian McCann.
Saltalamacchia would be perfect for the Astros, and Lidge could save the Braves' season considering they have lost Mike Gonzalez, whom they acquired this winter to try to fix the bullpen that betrayed them last year. As bad as some folks may have perceived Lidge's season last year, his numbers would have put Atlanta in the playoffs.
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