Ex-Astros Wheeler, Lidge remain close

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By Mark Zuckerman

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. | When the Philadelphia Phillies clinched the National League pennant a week ago, Dan Wheeler sent Brad Lidge a text message.

"Congrats," it read. "Hope to see you in the Series."

Who ever would have imagined these two ex-bullpen mates in Houston would wind up going head-to-head in the World Series?

These days, Lidge is the Phillies' All-Star closer who just completed a 41-for-41 season in save situations. Wheeler is the Tampa Bay Rays' occasional closer, depending on matchups and the whim of manager Joe Maddon.

But just three years ago, they were both pitching in the World Series for the Astros. Wheeler set up Lidge and doubled as a close confidant.

"He's one of my best friends in the game," Wheeler said.

The two experienced some potentially tenuous times in Houston, especially when Lidge hit a rough patch and lost his closer's job. Wheeler wound up taking over the role.

"It was nothing ever personal," Wheeler said. "In my opinion, I think he's one of the greatest closers in the game. He just kind of went through a tough spell. But ... look what he's been able to do, bounce back as well as he has."

Indeed, Lidge has rediscovered his old form in Philadelphia and put it all on display Wednesday night at Tropicana Field, retiring the side to preserve the Phillies' 3-2 Game 1 victory.

Not a bad way to erase the memory of a 2005 postseason that featured three blown saves, including two in the World Series.