Lidge finishes 4th for NL Cy Young

Phillies closer Brad Lidge had to do settle for something less than perfection for the first time this year, as he came in fourth in the National League Cy Young voting.

For those of you not in the know, the Cy Young award is an annual honour, awarded to the best pitchers in both the American and National Leagues, as voted for by the Baseball Writers association of America.

Closers rarely feature high in Cy Young voting, although Eric Gagne actually won the award back in 2003.

Lidge, who was a perfect 41-41 in save opportunities during the season and 7-7 in the postseason, was one of the main reasons the Phillies went on to win it all for the first time in 28 years.

After joining the club a year ago, the 31-year-old had an amazing 2008, throwing the pitches that clinched the Phillies' NL East Crown, as well as getting the final outs in the NLDS, NLCS and World Series.

Lidge is famous for his outstanding slider/fastball combination which devastated the League this year, giving him a 1.95 ERA and 92 strikeouts, including that of Eric Hinske which brought the title 'World Champions' back to Philadelphia.

Here is the pitch that sealed it all:

Lidge can still add a couple of honours to his perfect season, as he is nominated in two categories for the 'This Year in Baseball Awards'.

Lidge is up for Closer of the year, whilst his World Series strikeout of Hinske is shortlisted for best postseason moment.

Also up for awards are Ryan Howard (Hitter), Charlie Manuel (Manager), Pat Gillick (Executive), while Matt Stairs, Carlos Ruiz and Chase Utley are all nominated alongside Lidge (Postseason moment).

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