My apologies to readers who experienced difficulty logging on and posting comments on Friday. Beerleaguer's hosting service is performing server maintenance and will be fully operational shortly.
In the meantime, comments have been restored for those wishing to discuss the Aaron Fultz resigning. The two sides avoided arbitration and came to terms on a $1.2 million deal to keep the left-hander in Philadelphia for another season. Fultz was the unsung hero of the Phillies bullpen in 2005, holding hitters to a .186 batting average. After posting a career-best 2.24 ERA in 62 games, the 32-year-old avid reader of Tom Clancy paperbacks could be shuffled into a more significant role.
Please note: Fultz is the team's only reliable left-hander. Consider this an important, below-the-fold resigning.
If only my hosting service was as dependable.
To me Fultz should be the legit 8th inning reliver.
Posted by: That Dude | Friday, December 16, 2005 at 11:37 PM
I think giving Fultz a bigger role would help the team without a doubt. He did well. At the very least I think he could sort of "platoon" with someone for the eighth inning.
Posted by: Tom G | Saturday, December 17, 2005 at 10:01 AM
As for Madson, the more and more I think about it, he is better off in the rotation. I think his curveball diminished last year because he couldn't throw on off days to tune it, keep the feel for it.
As a starter, he can pitch every fifth day, and throw on the side as well to keep the hook in tune. It's a feel pitch, and if you don't have the hang of it...
Posted by: Tom G | Saturday, December 17, 2005 at 10:03 AM
I'm with you; I picture Madson in the rotation, not bullpen anymore. Originally I thought he needed to earn it, but let's face it, he's in. Everyone from Billy Wagner, to Charlie Manuel to Pat Gillick has said it. His command is what failed him last year, almost certainly due to the fatigue associated with overwork. Hitters have adjusted to his change because they've seen him enough. You're right about the curveball. That's the key. It needs to stay sharp if he is to make it as a starter.
A funny thing about Manuel: He's a bad tactical manager, but when he talks about his plan for Madson, or a player like Victorino, I tend to trust him.
Posted by: J. Weitzel | Saturday, December 17, 2005 at 10:16 AM
By my math the current 40 man roster is at 37 players. Interesting. Some things must be in motion.
http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/team/roster_40man.jsp?c_id=phi
Posted by: MPN | Saturday, December 17, 2005 at 01:33 PM
Madson will almost surely fair as well in the rotation. He had nothign but success all the way up the minors and never seemed to have any issues with overwork as a starter. He seems more than capable of throwing 160-180 innings next year.
on fultz, lets not forget that headfirst slide into home last year. great moment.
Posted by: gr | Sunday, December 18, 2005 at 10:16 PM