Everyone is a fan of Jason Weitzel’s Beerleaguer. It’s one of the more smart, informative Phillies websites around and I’m sure many of you have wandered there at some point.
Yesterday in an open thread, Weitzel talked about Carlos Quentin being on the open market and what it might take to reel him in. Ryan Madson was one of the names that clearly stood out. A few weeks ago we approached the subject on Phillies Nation, giving the Quentin-to-Philly rumor six out of 10 “Ruben Heads”, meaning it was very possible the Phillies could add him. But for Ryan Madson, one of the finest arms in baseball? Can’t say that should even be discussed.
Due to his impending free agency after the 2011 season, Madson could be an expendable piece, although some would argue he’s the real anchor of this bullpen. I agree with that sentiment – Madson is far too important to lose now or in the near future as he’s been a true stabilizing force. The only real question surrounding Madson is, can he close? That’s been the only blemish on an otherwise stellar resume built in Philadelphia.
Knowing that Brad Lidge also comes off the books in a year, it would be downright silly to trade such a vital piece of the bullpen puzzle. Madson is not clearly the closer-in-waiting, but he is next in line at this time.
To trade him for an enigmatic outfielder who has struggled with injuries would be unjust. In a time when back-end bullpen arms are hard to come by, Madson’s value far exceeds that of Quentin’s. And while I’m a fan of Quentin and would like to see him come to Philadelphia, at that price it’s certainly not worth it.
And again, this is no shot at Beerleaguer, whom I admire. This is simply a counterpoint to what I believe would be a lopsided trade and a bad one for the Phillies.
