So long: Brad Lidge signs with the Nationals

The Phillies have lost yet another member of their 2008 championship team: Brad Lidge has signed with the Nationals.  Lidge, who will be forever remembered for getting the final out in the World Series, signed a 1 year deal for around a million dollars with the Nationals.  There was some talk that Lidge would return to the Phillies but ultimately the Nats offered him more money and a bigger role in their bullpen.

Lidge will always be remembered in Philadelphia for his perfect 2008 seasons that ultimately led to the first title in the city in decades.  While 2009 was rough and last season was filled with injuries, Lidge leaves under good terms and should get a standing ovation when he returns as a National this season.

Phillies remain best in NL after sweep of Nationals

The demise of the Phillies offense has been greatly exaggerated. On Thursday, the Phillies finished off a sweep of the Nationals by beating them 7-3. While the Phils continue to get great starting pitching nearly every time out, the offense has awoken after a slow stretch, averaging 5.6 runs per game in their last 7. That's a big improvement over the 2.7 runs they averaged in the 11 games prior to that.

Raul Ibanez, of all people, has led the offensive resurgence, picking up 8 hits against the Nationals in 3 games. Raul, who was hitting an abysmal .154 before playing Washington, saw his average rise 60 points to .214 since Tuesday. He was quite the run producer in the series, hitting 3 doubles, 2 homers and picking up 5 RBI. Ibanez has been a streaky hitter throughout his career so hopefully this is the first step on the way to respectability after a miserable start.

While they looked great in sweeping the Nationals out of town, the Phillies next 9 games will tell us more about them. With 6 against the Braves and 3 against the Marlins over the next week, the Phils will be facing the two teams directly below them in the standings. It will be a nice early test and a good chance for them to create a little breathing room in the NL East.
(AP PHOTO)