One major league official said last night the Red Sox will be one of a few major players for Houston reliever Brad Lidge if the Astros decide they're out of contention. But therein lies the problem; when would Lidge be available? The Astros are 36-47 and 12 1/2 games out in the National League Central, but they've made second-half runs before. The other issue is whether they even would move Lidge if they were out of it. "That's what all of baseball is waiting for," said the official. "There are a few of us who will be in [the bidding for Lidge]. I know Boston and Detroit are two that will go after him hard." Lidge, who had a strained oblique, is scheduled to come off the disabled list this week.