MLB Trade Rumors: Will the Phillies Sign a Closer this Offseason?

After watching Brad Lidge blow game 4 of the World Series last night, a game where he came in with the score tied, many Phillies fans have to be thinking why GM Ruben Amaro did not trade for another closer back in July and August. I wrote about this several times during the season, but to no avail.

So Lidge's performance will get the hot stove cooking a little early in Philadelphia should the Yankees win the World Series, which appears very likely. So who should the Phils sign in the offseason?

There are plenty of closers available via free agency and trade, including Jose Valverde, Latroy Hawkins, Billy Wagner, Kevin Gregg, Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez. Some closers who could be available via trade include the Reds Francisco Cordero and the Diamondbacks Chad Qualls.

The Phillies are built to win now and they need a reliable closer in 2010 if they want to make it to the World Series again.