 Whoops!
On a scale of 1 to 10, I think this post rates a 15 on the embarrassment meter. Back in November when the Phils traded Michael Bourn for Brad Lidge I didn't like the move for the Phils. Well, it's pretty clear how wrong I was at this point. Lidge has anchored the Phils pen, which has been their absolute strength all season long, he still hasn't blown a save, and they're probably going to ride his right arm to the World Series.
Good for the Phils. If both series finish as they are right now, this will be the first series that I'm truly interested in since 2003. The ratings would probably be garbage, but I'll be watching. Oh, and Shane Victorino is by far my favorite non-Yankee, he also tops the list of guys I want the Yanks to trade for (who they never will.) 
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THANK YOU, BRIAN, for giving the Phils their props! No baseball analysts expected the Phils to get to the playoffs, let alone be a game away from the World Series. I AM SO PROUD OF THIS TEAM!
And you're not the only one wrong about Lidge. In thinking the Phils were giving away a great young leadoff man in Michael Bourn and getting taken (again), I was VERY WRONG in questioning Lidge's psychological fortitude and physical health as a competitor and closer. And Bourn never made much of an impact in Houston. Once again Ed Wade got taken, but this time, it wasn't as the Phil's GM! Gillick, on the eve of his retirement, finally got the best on a trade!
But as a superstitious fan, please don't say Lidge still hasn't blown a save! The ghost of M.W. (can't say his name, he's bad luck) haunts many of us. I've grown to love Lidge, but he's given us cause to worry in a few recent games.
Here's the questions...If you are new GM Ruben Amaro (hopefully) or Mike Arbuckle (Or maybe Cashman gets the job if the Yankees were stupid enough to fire him, which I hope is not likely).
Will a World Series appearance help draw in that elusive ace the Phils haven't been able to sign in years? Do we have a legitimate chance of luring a guy like C.C. Sabathia?!
Payroll should increase dramatically next year. Ryan Howard, Shane Victorino and Cole Hamels are eligible for arbitration and deserve huge paydays. Jason Werth, Joe Blanton, Ryan Madson, Eric Bruntlett are also eligible for arbitration. And of course, Jamie Moyer and Pat Burrell are both free agents.
WHO DO YOU SIGN, AND WHO DO YOU LET WALK?!
And is there still money to address the gaping holes at third base and catcher ?!
I think Hamels is that guy. He's a stud. As far as signing CC, I don't think any pitcher in his right mind would want to pitch in that band box. They're going to have to severely overpay to get someone, like the Rockies did for Mike Hampton and Denny Neagle years ago.