I am coming around to the bizarre idea of Lidge as starter. I would have said it was a silly idea a year ago. But I agree that maybe it gets him out of the mental state which has blocked his ability to be an effective reliever at this point. As a starter, it isn't a disaster if he gives up a couple of runs in an inning. And I am starting to think that his future can't be any worse as a starter, than as a closer, right now. He probably would have to go to Round Rock and start some games, in order to get stretched out and to show he can do it. He was a starter for pitching coach Burt Hooten at Round Rock during his minor league career...maybe he could help. IMO, even if the Astros keep Lidge as a reliever, I still think he would be better off at Round Rock where he can get regular work without damaging the major league team.