CLEARWATER, Fla. -- So, when last night's game began, I had an entirely different plan for the daily Phillies feature. But, then, Ryan Madson tossed three largely solid innings and met with reporters (one of the nice things about spring training is that starting pitchers are available to speak to the media while the game is still going on, which is especially helpful during deadline-unfriendly night games).Anyway, Madson, a starter in the minors and for the first half of the 2006 season with the Phillies, got a rare start last night against the Reds, mainly because Charlie Manuel and pitching coach Rich Dubee wanted him to face better hitters than the minor leaguers who typically play the final innings of Grapefruit League games. And after allowing little more than Jerry Hairston Jr.'s solo homer in his three-inning outing, Madson confessed that he still thinks about being a starter.
Needless to say, I called an audible. The plan changed.
Madson even suggested that he's better equipped to start than he was in '06 because he has developed a third pitch, a "self-taught" cutter to go with his fastball and changeup. And, with the back of the Phillies' rotation looking like an absolute mess, perhaps Madson could sneak his way into the starter mix?
Forget it.
"Reliever," Manuel said after the game when asked about Madson. "He's a multiple-inning guy for us, and he plays a big role anywhere from the sixth to the eighth inning. He has to have a good season for us."
OK, sounds good. But don't forget: At this time last year, Manuel didn't think Brett Myers would be used as a reliever, either. I'm just sayin'.
So, do you think Madson is more valuable to the Phillies as a starter or a reliever? Discuss.
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Within the notebook, more on Brad Lidge's quest to be ready by opening day. Also, Adam Eaton threw a bullpen session yesterday. He reported no back pain, but he did withstand a heckler. Something tells me there will be more hecklers awaiting him when he arrives at The Bank.
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In about two hours, I'll be headed to nearby Dunedin to watch Kris Benson throw in a minor-league game. I'll try to update you on how he did before taking off for Sarasota for tonight's game against the Reds. Jamie Moyer starts tonight, but many of the Phillies' regulars -- Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, etc. -- aren't scheduled to make the trip.
More later.
1 comment:
Thats a tough call on Madson. I have no doubt in my mind he's an upgrade from Eaton... However, he has emerged as a vital RP in winning games. If Mad dog moves to the rotation, the bullpen in winning games would have to muddle through with a combo of Rosario (who has been pitching well!), castro, condrey (others?) before praying that Romero, Gordon, Lidge can nail it down.
Then, where does Eaton fall? He would be horrendous in the bullpen (see: Eaton, 1st inning ERA). Looks like the best bet right now is to give it to Eaton every fifth day until Benson is ready (maybe 3-4 starts into the season?) Then, at that time, unless Eaton is dominating (insert laugh here) do something, anything, with him and let Benz pitch.
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