Liberty Ball

The Phillies placed newly acquired closer Brad Lidge on the 15 day DL yesterday.  Lidge suffered a slight tear in his right knee upon his first pitch of the spring.  Both he and the team had been optimistic hoping that he could return in time for opening day.  Lidge had yet to pitch in a Major League spring training game and had only thrown two minor league intrasquad outtings when the team decided to put him on the DL.  He is scheduled to return April 5th.

In the mean time, Tom Gordon will once again begin the season as the Phillies closer.  Even though he is 40, he says that he feels better now than in seasons past.  In his last 4 games, Gordon has not allowed a single run.