Phillies closer Lidge looking to forget tough 2009

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) -Philadelphia Phillies closer Brad Lidge says he is pain free.

A year after converting all 48 save chances, Lidge led the major leagues with 11 blown saves last season. He had surgery to repair his right elbow in November and right knee in January.

Now as spring training is about to start, the 33-year-old is confident he can regain the form that helped the Phillies win the 2008 World Series.

The loser in pivotal World Series Game 4 against the New York Yankees, Lidge estimates he is two weeks behind his usual preseason pace. He expects to pitch off a mound next week and doesn't rule out being available for the April 5 opener against Washington.