More: Rizzo's comments on Lidge signing

Now that Brad Lidge has officially signed with the Washington Nationals, it's worth considering what his ultimate role with the team will end up being. The veteran reliever was once one of the league's feared closers, with 229 career saves. However, all indications are that he will set up and leave the real late-inning work to Tyler Clippard and Drew Storen.

Via Mark Zuckerman and Bill Ladson:

Fans of @DrewStoren and @TylerClippard need not worry. Lidge will be setting up in front of those two guys. #Nats

— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) January 26, 2012

RHP Brad Lidge is expected to provide leaderhip and be one of the setup men. He is not expected to be a closer for the #Nats.

— William Ladson (@washingnats) January 26, 2012

Lidge has struggled with injuries recently and lost velocity on his pitches, but the Nationals are hoping he can still be an effective middle-inning guy for a good price.

For more on this potential signing and all things Washington Nationals, please head over to Federal Baseball.