Brad Lidge is a perfect 40-for-40 in save chances in 2008.

Tom Mihalek/AP

As we've started to hear Brad Lidge's name whispered more and more frequently as a dark horse candidate for the Cy Young Award, we thought we'd serve up 10 reasons why Lidge has been the most valuable closer in baseball this season -- even though Francisco Rodriguez's record-smashing campaign has garnered more national pub.

1. The hard-throwing righty converted a pair of tough saves over the weekend to improve to 40-for-40 in save opportunities this season. While K-Rod has earned an MLB-record 60 saves (and counting), he's also blown seven opportunities.

2. With a 1.87 ERA in 70 appearances, Lidge is staking his claim to one of the greatest statistical seasons for a closer in history. (Rodriguez has a relatiely human 2.34 ERA in 73 appearances.)

3. During Philly's six-game swing through Atlanta and Florida this past week, Lidge earned saves in four of the five wins, pitching with a multiple-run lead just once.

4. He's been Citizen's Bankable in September, converting seven saves while throwing 10.2 scoreless innings.

5. He's the biggest reason why the Phillies are 75-0 this season when leading after eight innings -- the best mark in the majors.

6. He's excelled in the season-long NL East pressure-cooker. By contrast, the Angels have owned first place since early May -- and Rodriguez has pitched since mid-July with the reassurance of his team's double-digit cushion in the AL West race.

7. Lidge has surrendered just two home runs in 2008 -- the best rate of his career -- in 67.1 innings this season. (Rodriguez has surrendered four homers in 65.1 innings.)

8. Aside from K-Rod's stratospheric save count -- in part a result of his team's high-powered offense -- Lidge's numbers rank favorably in every other major pitching category.

9. Lidge has already established single-season franchise records for consecutive saves and consecutive saves in a single season. On Sunday, the 31-year-old extended his personal streak to 43 saves, dating back to his time with the Astros last season.

10. Playing in one of baseball's most hitter-friendly parks -- in one of the nation's most demanding sports cities -- Lidge has shown no signs of letdown since signing a 3-year, $37.5 million contract extension in July. If anything, he's been even more clutch as the spotlight has burned brighter.

What do you think? Who's been more valuable to their team between Lidge and K-Rod in 2008? Should Lidge garner serious consideraiton for the Cy Young Award in the National League if the Phillies make the playoffs?