Report: Nationals Sign Reliever Brad Lidge

The Washington Nationals have signed RHP Brad Lidge for the 2012 season, according to Bill Ladson of MLB.com.  It is a one-year deal according to the Nationals PR Twitter account.  The former Philadelphia Phillies closer was a free agent after a disappointing 2011 season, where he missed 97 games with a rotator cuff injury.  He posted a 1.40 ERA, but had an inflated 1.500 WHIP.  He is entering his age 35 season. Lidge was the closer for the Phillies in their 2008 World Championship season, where went a perfect 41 for 41 in save opportunities.  He finished 4th in Cy Young voting that year.  In his career, Lidge posted a 3.44 ERA, a 1.273 WHIP, and 12 K/9.  Brad Lidge is an interesting veteran asset to the Nationals bullpen, but his history of injury is concerning.  He has missed significant time during the last five seasons and has missed 143 games over the last two years.  If he can stay healthy, he could help add some depth to the young, talented Nationals bullpen that includes Dr...