Astros Trade Lidge To Philly For UH Product Bourn

In October of 2005, there were many voices to be heard in Houston calling Brad Lidge to be shipped out of town or worse; two years later, those voices were heard. Tonight, the Astros finalized a trade to send Lidge and utility infielder Eric Bruntlett to the Phillies for center fielder and University of Houston grad Michael Bourn, relief pitcher Geoff Geary, and third base prospect Mike Costanzo. This marks the Astros' first serious move in what could prove to be an action-packed offseason.

Bourn will be the heir apparent in center, forcing Hunter Pence to move to right field (where he's better suited defensively) and thus making Luke Scott the odd man out in the outfield rotation. Since acquiring starting pitching is still a major goal for the team, it's likely that Scott could be shipped out for a starter. Bourn is a lead-off type hitter, giving the Astros a true prototype lead-off man for the first time since trading Wily Tavares last year.

Geary is an innings horse who will provide some much-needed experience to the 'stros young bullpen. Chad Qualls may assume the closer role from Lidge, but with the Nationals' Fransisco Cordero on the market, the Astros may look outside the team for a 9th inning specialist. Constanzo is rated by some as the Phillies best position player prospect, and while he won't be in the majors in 2008 in all likelihood, he provides depth to the Astros' depleted farm system.

A bit more on Bourn's identity: he grew up in Houston and was actually drafted by the Astros in 2000, but did not sign so that he could play at UH. As a Coog, he was known as a speed demon in the vein of his high school friend Carl Crawford. After signing with the Phillies after college, Bourn finally reached the majors in 2006 as a September call up. In 2007, he was the Phils' 4th outfielder, playing a lot in left in place of defensive liability Pat Burrell. He doesn't have a ton of power, but with his speed he should be on base plenty by the time Berkman, Lee, and Pence come around. The Astros do have a pretty solid track record of bringing hometown players back to H-town; here's hoping he's more Nolan Ryan than Doug Drabek.

Lidge did always carry himself with class and accountability even after he ceased to be Lights Out. We at Houstonist wish him the best for a career revitalization in the City of Brotherly Love, where people will no doubt be less forgiving if he stumbles. Just ask Billy Wagner.

Naturally, Lidge will be on many minds this morning. If you really feel like mixing it up with some real Astros fanatics, strap on your armor and dive into the discussion at Orange Whoopass, or in the comments below. Let us know what you think about GM Ed Wade's first big splash!