Comeback Players of the Year

After he gave up a homerun to Albert Pujols in the 2005 postseason, nobody thought he would be the same. Although it was close, Brad Lidge was perfect in save opportunities during the regular season. For his outstanding year, Lidge was honored with the 2008 National League Comeback Player of the Year Award.

In 2007, Lidge didn't have a closing role at the beginning of the year, but gained it back. He posted 5-3 record with a 3.36 ERA and had a WHIP of 1.25 in 67 innings. He was 19/27 in save opportunities last year. He struck out 88. Opponents batted .219 against him.

Other stats included a 2.93 K/BB ratio and 11.82 K/9 ratio in 2007.

Coming into 2008, on his new Phillies team, nobody knew what to expect from Lidge. He injured his knee in spring training and missed the first week of the season. Also, nobody knew how Lidge would fair in a hitter friendly park. But Lidge proved the change of scenery helped, and he couldn't be more happy to be a Phillie as he heads back to the postseason.

This year, Lidge picked up 41 saves in 41 opportunities earning himself 53 points in the Comeback Player of the Year Voting. He picked up 12 first place votes and beat out Kerry Wood, Ryan Ludwick, Jorge Cantu, as well as others.

To go with the saves, Lidge was 2-0 with a 1.98 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in 69 innings. He struck out 92 batters. Opponents batted .198 off him.

His K/BB ratio was 2.63 and his K/9 ratio was 11.94.

No Phillies closer with at least 20 saves lasted an whole year without a blown save, according to Elias Sports Bureau.

In the American League, Cliff Lee ran away with the Award picking up 76 points, 24 of the first place votes. Lee beat Mike Mussina, Milton Bradley, and Aubrey Huff, as well as others.

Lee will also make a run for the Cy Young Award.

Lee is leads the American League with a record of 22-3 and a 2.54 ERA. His ERA last year was 6.29. He pitched 97 innings last year, and pitched more than twice as much this year with 223.1 innings. His 170 strikeouts are more than 100 more than last year's 60.

His 2007 WHIP was 1.52, which lowered to 1.11 this year. Batters hit .284 in '07, and .253 in '08.

The past is history, and both these players have forgotten their past.

Photo Courtesy of Philly.com