Phillies' Ibanez, Lidge, Eyre to have surgery

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Lidge has knee surgery

Philadelphia Phillies closer Brad Lidge underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on Wednesday. The procedure, which was performed by team physician Michael Ciccotti, took place at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and consisted of the removal of loose bodies and meniscal debridement.

"The surgery went well and Brad is expected to begin his throwing program in 10 days," said Phillies head athletic trainer Scott Sheridan. "We're not sure if he'll be ready by Opening Day, but we don't expect that he'll be too far behind. This surgery was not directly related to any previous surgeries."

Lidge, who had surgery earlier this offseason to remove a loose body from his right elbow, struggled mightily during the 2009 season, posting a 7.21 earned run average in 67 appearances. While he made 31 saves, he also blew 11 during the regular season.

Twins pick up Cuddyer's option

The Minnesota Twins have picked up outfielder Michael Cuddyer's $10.5 million option for 2011.

Cuddyer hit a career-high 32 home runs to lead the team. He also had 94 RBIs and was sixth in the American League with 73 extra-base hits.

When slugger Justin Morneau went out with a back injury in September, Cuddyer moved from right field to first base. He hit .352 with seven homers and 22 RBIs in the next 19 games as the Twins leapfrogged the Tigers and won the AL Central title.

2009 World Series position-by-position breakdown

The Phillies, meanwhile, will be trying try to do something that no National League team has done since 1976, as they try to become the first repeat champion from the Senior Circuit since the Cincinnati Reds' Big Red Machine teams in 1975-76.

After capturing their third straight NL East title, the Phillies started their title defense with a four-game victory over the Colorado Rockies in the NLDS, before disposing of the Los Angeles Dodgers for the second straight year in five games of the NLCS.

Unlike last year, though, when they ran roughshod over a Tampa Bay Rays team that was in the midst of their first-ever postseason run, the Phillies will be facing a franchise that is synonymous with baseball in October in the Yankees, who will be appearing in their 40th Fall Classic.

Eyre files for free agency

Reliever Scott Eyre was the lone player to file for free agency on Thursday.

The 37-year-old recently underwent surgery to remove loose bodies from his left elbow.

Eyre made 42 appearances in 2009 for the Philadelphia Phillies, going 2-1 with a 1.50 earned run average.

Phillies finalize NLCS roster

The Philadelphia Phillies finalized their 25-man roster for the National League Championship Series, which is slated to start Thursday at Dodger Stadium.

The defending World Series champions will have Paul Bako and Carlos Ruiz behind the plate; Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Pedro Feliz, Miguel Cairo and Eric Bruntlett patrolling the infield; outfielders Ben Francisco, Raul Ibanez, Matt Stairs, Jayson Werth and Shane Victorino; right-handed hurlers Joe Blanton, Chad Durbin, Brad Lidge, Ryan Madson, Pedro Martinez and Chan Ho Park and left-handers Antonio Bastardo, Scott Eyre, Game 1 starter Cole Hamels, J.A. Happ and Cliff Lee.

Pitchers Kyle Kendrick and Brett Myers, who were on the NLDS roster, were replaced by Bruntlett and Park, respectively.