Madson The Closer

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Ryan Madson struggled in the past when asked to close out games for the Phillies, but that is all in the past.  Maybe it was a matter of confidence or maybe it was a matter of experience, but all we know is Madson has figured it out.  Coming into the season with 26 career saves in 50 chances Madson needed to get on a role and build confidence.

Last night Madson recorded his seventh save in seven opportunities, building his case to be the closer of the Phillies now and in the future.  If Madson continues his success this year there is almost no doubt he will be closing for the Phillies now and in the future.

There was never doubt that Madson had the stuff to be a closer, it was just a matter of putting it all together.  Madson throws a hard fastball which reaches the mid to high 90's and a knee buckling changeup, the combination of these two pitches are always keeping hitters off balance.

With the previous injured closers Jose Contreras and Brad Lidge working their way back what is going to happen to Madson.  The closer for now is in his final year of his contract and is showing major improvements as a closer.  Maybe he is now slated to be the closer for the future (meaning next year) with Lidge most likely gone after this year, or maybe the future is now.  Madson has been successful for now and if he continues this success should the Phillies keep him there for the rest of the year, I believe they should and I believe they will.