Phillies decline options on Lidge, Oswalt

THE PHILLIES declined options on one of their 2008 World Series heroes and one of their Four Aces yesterday.

In not renewing the contracts of closer Brad Lidge and starting pitcher Roy Oswalt, the Phillies saved $25 million. Both Lidge and Oswalt missed time in the 2011 season due to injury.

Oswalt would have been paid $16 million next season, but the Phillies bought him out for $2 million.

Lidge, who threw the final, winning pitch of the 2008 World Series, had a $12.5 million contract and was bought out for $1.5 million. Lidge was a perfect 48-for-48 in save opportunities in 2008.

Oswalt and Lidge could return to the Phillies in 2012, but it would be under different, less costly contracts.

"While we will not pick up either of their options, we will remain in contact with representatives for both players about the possibility of bringing them back for the 2012 season," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said in a statement. "Brad and Roy both made significant contributions to the Phillies over the past several seasons."

Lidge, 34, started 2011 on the disabled list with a shoulder injury, the third time in 4 years he began the season on the DL. His first appearance was on July 25.

Lidge went 0-2 with one save and a 1.40 earned run average in 25 games in 2011. He struck out 23 batters in 19 1/3 innings, an average of 10.7 strikeouts per nine innings pitched. In four seasons (2008-11) with the Phillies, Lidge posted a 3-11 record with 100 saves and a 3.73 ERA.

In 22 postseason games, Lidge went 1-1 with 12 saves in 12 opportunities and a 1.77 ERA.

Oswalt, also 34, has been a three-time All-Star. He went 9-10 with a 3.69 ERA in 23 starts for the Phillies this season. He suffered an injured back on June 23 and didn't return to the rotation until Aug. 7. Since he was acquired from Houston in July 2010, Oswalt made 35 starts and was 16-11 with a 2.96 ERA.