Quote:
this organization just refuses to learn from its mistakes,


Instead of trading Lidge last off-season, the Astros decided to take a gamble that Lidge would return to form. I can't criticize that decision, because it looked like a reasonable risk to take.

Right now, that gamble doesn't look too good. But I fear that the organization will repeat it's mistake of last year in staying with Lidge in the closer role too long. He should be on a very, very short leash at this point. (Personally, I would favor sending him to Round Rock if he blows the next save.) Ortiz's blog quoted Garner as saying (at the end of spring training) that Lidge would have to blow 9 or 10 saves in April before he would consider removing him. I hope that Garner was kidding a bit when he said that. Because it isn't out of the realm of possibility that Lidge could do that if he is given the opportunity.