The Phillies’ acquisition of displaced Astros closer Brad Lidge is enough to make Brett Myers punch his wife in the face moan to the News Journal’s Scott Lauber (link swiped from Repoz and Baseball Think Factory).

“I’m upset,” Myers said Thursday, “not with the Phillies, because I understand the situation. I’m upset because I think I really found myself and my role this year as a closer. I know, because I’ve been told that I’m best suited to be a closer.”

That may well be true, what with Myers’ high-strung personality and electric array of pitches. But, in a paper-thin free-agent market, the pitching-needy Phillies believe Myers is more valuable to them as a starter than as a late-inning flame-thrower.

So, the 27-year-old Myers returns to the rotation behind Cole Hamels.

“I understand what’s going on, and I understand that for this team, me going back to being a starter is the move to make,” Myers said. “I definitely like closing more. I like having the ball in my hands four or five days [a week]. The only thing I don’t like in starting is, I may go nuts those four days in between getting the ball.”

Said Myers: “There are positives in this. I think I’ve proven myself as a closer and as a starter. If the time comes and I’m on the market as a free agent, instead of two teams needing a starter and two needing a closer, I can make myself available as both to 30 teams.”