Lidge, Astros would be best served by trade

	Brad Lidge hasn't been the same since allowing a walk-off home run to Albert Pujols in the 2005 NLCS. AP

The Astros need to trade struggling, just-demoted Brad Lidge while he still has value. And apparently, he still does. Three executives contacted Tuesday said they'd gladly take Lidge off the Astros' hands -- at the right price, of course.

"There will be decent interest if they do trade him," one National League GM said. "His stuff is still pretty good. It's just the results that have been horrendous."

Lidge's velocity is off by a few mph, down to the low-to-mid 90s range, and his patented slider has lost a little bit of its bite. But it's still considered a plus pitch. In fact, some scouts are wondering whether Lidge is throwing his slider enough.

Astros manager Phil Garner on Monday demoted Lidge from closer to middle relief, and not just to a setup role either. His new time is the sixth inning, the dregs of bullpen duties. And it was a quick hook, too, coming after just 1 2/3 innings in two appearances this season, during which Lidge allowed five hits and six runs (three earned).

Garner reportedly said during spring training, when Lidge posted an 11.00 ERA, that it would take about five blown saves in April for Lidge to lose the job. But as it turned out, one blown save (and one other blow-up) was all it took. This sort of demotion can often be a precursor to the real move, which is a move out of town.

Lidge's troubles started with one pitch, the one Albert Pujols sent to the moon in Game 5 of the 2005 NLCS. Lidge had a 5.28 ERA and 1-5 record last year, though he did convert saves in 32 of 38 opportunities. But it's hard to imagine him getting his game and confidence back together in Houston. That sort of comeback happens, but not too often.

"It's an unforgiving role," the NL GM said. "Not many guys lose their jobs as closer and get it back with the same team."

Lidge was famous for his saves. Now some other team needs to save him.