In the last day or two, the Phillies intentions towards personnel are becoming more clear. While the jury is still out on the status of Freddy Garcia, Jon Lieber, and Chris Coste due to injury, some of the roles for the bullpen are becoming a bit defined.
Perhaps the most encouraging news came from Charlie Manuel that Ryan Madson would be used to set-up in the eighth inning and possibly fill-in for closer Tom Gordon if the need arises. Madson has had the best spring of any reliever in red pinstripes with an ERA of 1.86 in 9 and two-thirds innings. He's struck out 9 batters while walking only one and allowing only five hits.
Presumably, one of the reasons for Madson's good play has been due to modifications in his pitch repertoire. He's scrapped the curveball that was his demise as a starter last year and has replaced it with what he calls a cutter, though some accounts describe it more as a slider.
Either way, it seems to be making a difference.
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Its impressive that Madson has three pitches to choose from, a rarity amongst relievers. What's even more impressive is the fact that Daisuke Matsusaka, tomorrow's starter for the Red Sox in the final exhibition game of the season, possesses eight pitches.
Yours truly will be in attendance tomorrow, and I'll attempt to get some video of Dice-K taking on the Phillies, but it may be difficult with a Yards in one hand and a Schmitter in the other.
