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Phillies: 5 trades that won the 2008 World Series

By George Stockburger

PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 29: The Philadelphia Phillies celebrate with their fans after they won 4-3 against the Tampa Bay Rays during the continuation of game five of the 2008 MLB World Series on October 29, 2008 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 29: The Philadelphia Phillies celebrate with their fans after they won 4-3 against the Tampa Bay Rays during the continuation of game five of the 2008 MLB World Series on October 29, 2008 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA – OCTOBER 29: Brad Lidge #54 (L) and Carlos Ruiz #51 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate the final out of their 4-3 win to win the World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays during the continuation of game five of the 2008 MLB World Series on October 29, 2008 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

. . Brad Lidge from Houston. 1. team. 135.

This is undisputably not just one of the best trades of the 2008 campaign, but in franchise history.

Philadelphia needed a closer coming off the 2007 season when Brett Myers served as the man in the ninth inning, saving 21 games. His abillities were better suited in the starting rotation, leaving the team with few in-house options. Tom Gordon was coming off surgery and both Antonio Alfonseca and Jose Mesa essentially retired at the end of the season.

The price to get Lidge from Houston was fairly high, costing the team Michael Bourn before he even hit his prime, their highest draft pick in 2005 Mike Costanzo, and reliever Geoff Geary, who pitched in 57 games the year prior.

In return the Phillies received a closer who was perfect during the 2008 season, going 48-48 in save opportunities and finishing fourth in the Cy Young and eighth in MVP.

There’s no way to discount what Lidge meant to the team in 08, and his legacy in Philadelphia spectacular.

Next: Top ten teams in Phillies franchise history

Was there another move leading up to the Phillies championship we missed? Comment below or on our social media pages.

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