The Phillies also acquired utility infielder Eric Bruntlett in the deal. Houston picked up outfielder Michael Bourn, reliever Geoff Geary, and power-hitting minor-league third baseman Mike Costanzo from the Phillies.
The Phillies initially talked to the Astros about acquiring reliever Chad Qualls. In recent days, the talks shifted to Lidge, a hard-throwing righthander known for having a devastating slider when he is on top of his game.
Conversations between the Phillies and Astros heated up at the general managers' meetings yesterday, and the deal was agreed upon in the afternoon. It was not completed, however, until about 10 p.m., after Phillies medical personnel reviewed Lidge's health records. Lidge, who turns 31 next month, had surgery to repair a cartilage problem in his right knee last month.
"We're comfortable he'll be 100 percent by opening day," Gillick said.
Myers was the Phillies' opening-day starter in 2007. He became the team's closer in May and performed well in the role, recording a 2.87 ERA and 21 saves in 48 games. He was on the mound when the Phillies clinched the NL East title on the last day of the season.
Myers liked closing and wanted to continue in the role in 2008. Phillies management liked him in that role and often said it wanted to keep him there.
But after weighing what was available in this off-season's weak starting-pitching market, the Phils decided it was best to pursue a closer and move Myers back to the rotation.
"Brett Myers is better than any starter available," Gillick said.
Myers, 27, is 54-41 with a 4.42 ERA in 143 starts.
Gillick called Myers to inform him of the trade and the role change shortly before announcing the trade last night.
"I think he was disappointed from the standpoint he wanted to stay at the back end of the bullpen," Gillick said. "But he realized what this does for us from a team standpoint."
