WIth Brad Lidge on the DL for the next few weeks, Ryan Madson has assumed the closer’s role for the Fightins’. Many people had been calling for this move since Lidge blew those two saves against the Yankees and those cries only got louder after the Dodgers series.
Madson has gotten two saves against the Mets since he was anointed the closer this week. He has pitched extremely well in those two appearances and has looked like he has all the stuff needed to be a top line closer. The problem is that Madson has struggled in the past when being shuffled between roles. He struggled a few seasons ago when he was rotating between being a starter and a reliever and he has grown into his role as a top setup man. Madson has said that he wants to be the best setup man in the majors because that’s his role. If his role were to change in the middle of the season for an extended period of time, he could struggle. He’ll be fine for a short period, but he has flourished in the setup role and he should go back there when Lidge comes off the DL
The biggest criticism I have over the past few weeks has been the Philadelphia sports fans attitude towards Brad Lidge. He struggled a bit recently and people were calling for his head. I think some of us were spoiled by his perfect season last year. I hate to say it, but this is an extreme case of “What have you done for me lately?” Lidge will be fine. Everyone runs into some trouble at times. Lidge is this team’s closer and will be for the foreseeable future.
Disagree? Let me know why.
-KK
Follow me on Twitter at @kierankelly
