Brad Lidge is happy about being in Philly for at least three more years. (Pat Sullivan/AP Photo)

It has been an annual tradition for the Phillies to have a question mark about the back end of their bullpen. This season was no different as the Phils’ were worried about the health of their newly acquired closer Brad Lidge. “Lights Out” Lidge was worth the wait and in his first three months as a Phil has a 2-0 record with a staggering ERA of .77. He has saved 19 games in as many opportunities while striking out 47 batters. His payoff for a stellar start came Sunday when the Phillies extended his contract.

The three-year extension for Lidge keeps him in Philadelphia until at least 2011. The $37.5 million deal is more than meets the eye. ESPN reveals there could be an even bigger pay day for Lidge.

“The deal includes a signing bonus, an awards package, assorted escalators and a fourth-year club option that could bring the overall value of the contract to $49 million.”

The Phillies don’t usually make deals with current players regarding their contracts until the season is over, but they’ve made an exception to secure the future of their bullpen which has won them quite a few games in the 2008 season.