One of the bright spots for the 2004 Phillies was the emergence of Ryan Madson. He held a unique role on last year's club, long-relief and set-up all rolled into one. And while Madson had exhibited a nice minor-league career in the Phillies system, no one inside or outside of the organization expected him to have the kind of season he had.
Throughout his minor-league career, Madson had been used as a starter. During last year's spring training, Madson pitched well enough to make the big club, but instead of a starter, he was used in the bullpen. In 2004, Madson pitched in just over 77 innings, exhibiting a 2.34 ERA. And because of his unique role as a long set-up man, he managed to record nine wins (to just three losses). And, he was one of the few Phillies pitchers to not succumb to the long ball as he gave up just six home runs, most likely a result of an almost 2 to 1 groundball to flyball ratio.
Sure, the well-above average Phillies defense helped his ERA somewhat in 2004, but not exceptionally so, allowing only 6 long balls, he also struck out 6.43 batters per nine innings and walked only 19 all season long rates that would indicate a level of success not greatly influenced by luck or chance.
But to this point, 2005 seems to be a different story. His ERA is 3.95 and his record is just 4-4, both of which are well off of his 2004 marks. And while he seems to be striking out batters at a higher rate than last year, up to just over 8 per nine innings, he seems to be walking batters at a higher rate, 14 so far. The number of home runs allowed has increased as well this year, 6 so far, matching his total for all of 2005, despite a similar ground ball to fly ball ratio.
And so some are beginning to wonder, "is there something wrong with Ryan Madson?" Some have suggested he might be restless in the bullpen, preferring to return to the role of starter. Others have observed an inability to locate his breaking ball.
While all of these theories seem plausible, another matter that must be considered is Charlie Manuel's usage of No. 63. In 2004, Madson took the mound in 52 games for 77 innings, whereas in 2005, he has already appeared in 47 games for 58 innings. In other words, Madson's work load is drastically higher than last season. Porated to the end of the season, Madson is on track to appear in 74 games, 90 innings pitched. Fairly high for a young bullpen arm. Yes, he was a starter in the minors, however, Madson has not maintained a starter's conditioning program since 2003 -- certainly his stamina has decreased to that of a typical reliever.
So to answer the question, "what's wrong with Ryan Madson," the answer is most likely, "He's tired." Pretty complex huh?
And it isn't as if Aka Oni doesn't have other options. Besides Billy Wagner and Ugueth Urbina, the Phillies also have left-hander Aaron Fultz on their big league roster. Traditionally, Fultz has struggled against right handers and has been considered a "LOOGY". But this year is different for Fultz, as right handed batters are hitting only .163 against him. Overall, Fultz sports a 2.50 ERA, striking out 7.33 batters per nine innings with an almost three to one strikeout to walks ratio.
One can certainly understand Manuel's tendency to turn to Madson when the going gets tight -- he certainly proved his worth in 2004. But to use Manuel's own vernacular, "You can only go to the well so many times, like, before it kinda like, dries out."
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Berks County Carnac
If Jason "Beer Leaguer" Weitzel ever suggests a horse to bet on at the track or some lottery numbers to play, take his word for it.
On the way to the ballpark last Friday, Jason was very optimistic about the Phillies chances against the Padres, citing their recent slide, and suggested a good weekend for the Phils. Sure enough, the Phillies swept the Padres.
And at the start of the series against the Astros in which the Phillies were in turn swept, J-Dub wrote this about the Phillies:
Right off the bat, they smack head-on into the big three of Houston – Andy Pettitte (7-7, 2.82 ERA), Roy Oswalt (13-8, 2.41) and Roger Clemens (8-4, 1.40). All three are in the hunt for Cy Young.
Tonight’s game has loss written all over it.
and
Before this series, I gave the Phils no shot at winning.
So, uh, Jason, ever been to Vegas? Want to?
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Almost Last Call
Anyone else care to add a Richie Ashburn story or quote?
