Madson back to the bullpen?

[JohnnyBenchBest Ever]

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Madson may be going back to the bullpen. If this happens, what happens to Madson's value. Does he jump to the top of the MR chart for holds?

[BillyHallDisciple]

when did they report that? I just read somewhere yesterday that he was confirmed in the rotation.

[Area51's]

and he started and went 6.1 against the yankees just yesterday...and it was the late game....and shut them out.

Hard to imagine after that long quality start that they would change their mind.....gonna need a source

[mak1277]

There's a link in Buster Olney's blog today about that. Sounds like Gavin Floyd may have won a rotation spot, and the Phils believe that Madson would be better in the 'pen than Ryan Franklin. Apparently, Manuel has made his decision, but isn't saying anything yet.

Very depressing to me, since Madson's been great this spring and I was counting on him being a starter.

[5]

Heilman, Madson back in the pen?

Helping the Braves win the division yet again.

[JohnnyBenchBest Ever]

This article is from todays paper

Phillies Notes Lieber gets nod for opening day
Phillies Notes

TAMPA, Fla. - To no one's surprise, manager Charlie Manuel officially named Jon Lieber the Phillies' opening-day starter last night.

But there's still plenty of intrigue surrounding the back end of the pitching rotation as Monday's season opener approaches.

Gavin Floyd has pitched himself into strong consideration for the No. 5 starter's spot. If he wins the job, Ryan Madson or Ryan Franklin could end up in the bullpen.

Madson didn't hurt his chance of being in the rotation with 61/3 shutout innings in the Phils' 3-0 win over the Yankees last night.

"Hopefully, they consider me too valuable as a starter," said Madson, who is 2-0 with a 1.89 ERA in 19 innings this spring.

"I know what I'm going to do, but I ain't saying [anything]," Manuel said. "Tonight had nothing to do with my decision."

Madson still could be the preferred candidate to go to the bullpen. He had success in the role the last two seasons, and the Phils are desperate for one more good arm in the late innings to complement Arthur Rhodes and Tom Gordon.

"Madson would be a good starter," Manuel said. "But my decision will always be based on what's best for the team and the best way for us to win."

Franklin came to the majors as a reliever with Seattle in 1999, but he has spent the last three years as a starter.

Floyd, a 23-year-old former first-round draft pick, has opened eyes by going 4-0 with a 2.08 ERA in six games.

Floyd could sew up a spot in the rotation with a good showing Saturday against the Red Sox in an exhibition game at Citizens Bank Park.

"I see a young guy with a lot of potential," Manuel said of Floyd

[Inukchuk]

That's so depressing... How's Floyd been doing this spring???

[mak1277]

That's so depressing... How's Floyd been doing this spring???

19.0 IP
1.89 ERA
0.84 WHIP
14 K's

In other words, pretty good.

[AKhomebrewer]

Having watched him in Seattle the last couple years, I can't believe Franklin is even on a Major-League roster.

That said, this certainly muddies the waters. I actually drafted Madson for holds, and was disappointed to hear he made the rotation. It's a selfish concern, though -- I'm set in my rotation worried about his ability to get through a lineup the second and third time - particularly in that ballpark.

We also have to factor the usual early-season days off and its impact on No. 5 starters. It could be that Madson gets used in the pen early, then gets shifted to starter as the schedule fills up (assuming Franklin or Floyd has trouble).

[Krunk City King$]

Heilman, Madson back in the pen?

Helping the Braves win the division yet again.

Feller in my league just drafted....

J Sosa
R Madson
A Heilman

The funny thing is that there was no "back to the pen" talk until he drafted them....