Philadelphia Phillies: 8 Reasons Ryan Madson Will Close After Brad Lidge Returns
May 5, 2011 by Sean Zerillo
Filed under Fan News
For at least the time being, Ryan Madson appears to be Charlie Manuel’s choice as the closer of the Philadelphia Phillies.
The ninth-year veteran has picked up two of the Phillies‘ three saves since interim closer Jose Contreras hit the disabled list on April 22 with an elbow strain.
The third save was picked up by Antonio Bastardo on what would have been Madson’s third consecutive day of work.
Madson’s ascension to the closer role has always seemed inevitable. The 6’6″ righty has never found a real niche in the Phillies staff since his true rookie year in 2004.
He’s been used in every role, from setup to long man to starting pitcher (17 starts in 2006). But Madson hasn’t ever been given an extended shake in the ninth inning.
With Brad Lidge expected back from the disabled list soon from his partially torn rotator cuff, the time for Madson to capitalize is right now.
What follows is a list of eight reasons why Madson will fend off Lidge (and Jose Contreras) and remain the Phillies closer moving forward.
Data courtesy of www.fangraphs.com.
Chase Utley Injury: 11 Wacky Predictions for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2011
March 1, 2011 by Sean Zerillo
Filed under Fan News
The Philadelphia Phillies are expected to be the class of the National League in 2011.
With Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt, the Phillies have perhaps the most fearsome pitching rotation, on paper, in the modern baseball era.
Philadelphia has been installed as 13-to-4 favorites to win the World Series. The Phillies are overwhelming 1-to-4 favorites to take the National League pennant.
The over/under on their win total has been placed at 96, which is also the best mark for any team in the league in the preseason.
But with the loss of Jayson Werth to the Washington Nationals and now an injury to star second-baseman Chase Utley, the Phillies should have some concerns heading into the upcoming season.
What follows is a list of 11 predictions you probably haven’t heard about the Phillies 2011 campaign.
All Data Courtesy of
www.fangraphs.com
www.baseball-reference.com