Phillies add pieces to the bullpen

As reported earlier the Phillies signed contracts with Ryan Madson and Antonio Alfonseca. Both these players will be pieces in the puzzle of the Phillies bullpen.

Last season Madson was yanked back and forth from the starting rotation to the bullpen like a yo-yo. Madson still has the goal of starting but his track record shows he’s a more effective pitcher as a reliever. Madson, who spent his first two seasons in the pen, had a stellar rookie year in 2004 pitching in 55 games with a 2.34 ERA. In his sophomore season Madson pitched increasingly in critical late inning situations. He pitched well that year with a solid 4.14 ERA in 78 games. Last season Madson struggled as a starter. In 17 starts he had an ugly 6.28 ERA. In his time as a reliever Madson had an average 4.50 ERA in 33 games.

There are several reasons to expect that Madson’s 2007 performance will be closer to 2004 than 2006. First, in 2006 Madson was hurt by having to switch from starting to coming in as a reliever. Pitching is as much a mental exercise as it is physical and this season Madson has the benefit of knowing that his stay in the pen is permanent. Last season you could see the difference just watching him as a reliever and a starter. As a starter the velocity on his fastball dropped from the mid to low 90s, his change up was less deceptive, and he couldn’t control his curve. Some pitchers like Madson are just to built to be relievers and not starters. All signs point to Madson having a successful 2007 in the Phillies bullpen.

Antonio Alfonseca is a different story. First the deal is not yet official; Alfonseca has to pass a physical. The details of the contract aren’t available because the deal isn’t yet official but reportedly with incentives the contract is worth a maximum of 1.1 million dollars. Alfonseca is an interesting player. He has spent most of the past two seasons injured. Last season then Texas Rangers cut Alfonseca in mid season and he spent his second half rehabbing his injured elbow. Alfonseca’s spent his first few seasons as a closer compiling a career high 45 saves with the Marlins in 2000. However he was never a great closer, he had a solid ERA but blew a ton of saves. In 2002 he lost his job with the Cubs closing out only 19 of 28 games. He had his best statistical season in 2004 as a setup man for the Braves pitching in 79 games with 2.57 ERA. Alfonseca has pitched very well so far in the Dominican Winter League regular season, throwing 9.1 innings with an 1.93 ERA. Alfonseca's excellent pitching continued in the round robin playoffs where he threw 5.1 innings and didn't give up a run. Alfonseca’s role with the Phillies is still far from set.

First and most important to Alfonseca’s success is that he is healthy. That by itself is the most important factor in his success as a Phillie. If healthy he could serve as a set up man like he did in Atlanta. The Phillies would be getting a great value out of Alfonseca if he was able to pitch in late inning situations because of how little they will be paying him this season. In any case the Phils will get an even better look at him during spring training and if he doesn’t pan out, he will be cut. I think it's unlikely that Pat Gillick will settle with Alfonseca. He will continue to shop Jon Lieber for a quality reliever. In the unlikely situation where Gillick can't move Lieber than Alfonseca may be the Phillies man.

Sources:
Phils agree with Alfonseca, Madson
By Ken Mandel / MLB.com

Alfonseca could be Phils' setup answer
By Marcus Hayes / Philadelphia Inquirer

Picture of Ryan Madson phillies.com, picture of Antonio Alfonseca ESPN.com