Manuel: Madson A Fine Closer
Posted by Tim Malcolm, Fri, June 12, 2009 02:22 PM | Comments: 5
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Ryan Madson converted two consecutive saves at Citi Field this week to start his closer campaign. And Charlie Manuel approves:
“These were good tests for him. In New York, with these fans and this atmosphere, it was very good. He has the ability and he’s getting the experience and there’s no reason why he can’t be the closer.”
Manuel said Brad Lidge won’t be rushed back, so we may expect to see Madson as closer for a bit longer, even after Lidge is eligible to play again.
Posts: 0 The Little Guy
Hmm. Thats surprising to hear from Manuel, i would of thought he would of declared once Lidge is healthy he is the closer.
So after he is off the DL, are they going to send him down to the minors to work some innings? Or are they going to put him right on the Phillies.
Posted: 02:40 PM on June 12, 2009
Posts: 0 shag beta sigma delta
I really think Charlie has to watch what he is saying, cause IMO most of Lidges’ problems are mental, you don’t want him to think when he comes back the Phillies do not have faith in him closing. I think it would be a mistake to put him a set up role, it did not work in Houston and I do not think it will work here, I think he pitches a few games for the Iron Pigs then gets his job back as closer. But Madson is much younger and I have compared this scenario, to the Yankees when they had Whetland and Rivera, when it is time for the Mad Dog to be the closer you trade Lidge.
I am not saying it is this year, and maybe not next, but I think we need to keep Madson on that track.
Posted: 03:08 PM on June 12, 2009
Posts: 0 psujoe
We don’t want Lidge on and off the DL all season. If he’s 100% then he’s the closer. If not let him heal. Charlie has to show confidence in Madson. I’m sure behind the scenes he’s letting Lidge know he’s the man.
Posted: 03:25 PM on June 12, 2009
Posts: 0 NJ
Lidge is the closer, that’s not going to change with the one DL trip, there’s no way Lidge looses the bite on his pitches if his knee was fine. Maybe there’s a case for a problem down the road if both pitchers seasons continue in the same manner but it’s not going to be a consideration in the near future.
It’s tough to compare Madson’s situation to Rivera. Rivera ascended to the closers role early in his career as a pave the way reliever which is a different situation to Madson at this point in his career.
Lidge is a proven closer with a known injury thats flared up, Madson’s career save total is up to 8 at the age of 28. I’m not saying things might not change if Lidge’s health goes Troy Percival but Madson’s value right now is setting up and spotting Lidge when needed.
Lidge isn’t done and its premature to view him as the Lidge that had to get out of Houston.
Posted: 03:31 PM on June 12, 2009
Posts: 0 Georgie
Amaro was on DNL today, and he said he told Brad that he’s not coming back until he’s 100%, not 90 or 95, they need him at 100%. But Rubey also said Lidge IS the closer, when he’s ready to come back, it’s his job. Kendrick has been called up for the pen, and they didn’t call up Carpenter or Escalona because they just pitched, and Rubey said Kyle’s been pitching really well lately, so you call up the hot arm.
Posted: 06:44 PM on June 12, 2009