Ryan Madson Owes Us A Refund

Back in the 1940's, Ted Williams insisted on taking a salary cut of more than 25% after having what he considered a subpar season. Of course, what Williams considered subpar was Hall of Fame-worthy for most everyone else.

While the great Red Sox left fielder's temper was legendary, we are not aware of any instance where he inflicted injury to himself during one of his frequent tantrums. Certainly not enough to lose playing time. But if he had, there can be little doubt that because of his integrity and high standards, he would have refunded any salary to management for time lost.

Which leads of course to Ryan Madson. Madson saw fit to kick a metal folding chair after a blown save. Unfortunately, he was more accurate with his foot than he was earlier in the evening with his fastball. A broken toe and subsequent surgery have now left Madson unavailable to the Phillies for at least two months. And this is with a bullpen which was already leaking oil.

Madson issued a public apology (which really made my day) to Delaware Valley fans but presumably he continues to collect his $4 million a year salary without interruption. At the risk of generating apoplexy at the players' union, Madson should return his pay checks until he returns to active duty. Or, at the very least, donate them to a Philadelphia-based charity. If it was good enough for one of the greatest icons of American sports, it should be good enough for Ryan Madson.

Lidge Is Not Yet Money in the Bank

Brad Lidge had two encouraging one-inning stints against the Cardinals but questions remain. A rejuvenated Lidge would be huge for the Phillies but there is still that uneasy feeling that his margin for error is razor thin.

While his slider looked tight and continues to be the go-to pitch, it is the right-hander's fastball that is of concern. Against the Cards, one Lidge fastball was clocked at 95 mph, but it was 2 feet out of the strike zone. Otherwise, it measured in the low 90's and was without much movement nor was Lidge able to spot it. Big league hitters have little trouble with that kind of pitch.

Brad Lidge needs his fastball to set up his slider, but if it's 92-93 mph in the middle of the plate, he won't get a chance to use his money pitch. Lidge's fastball may well improve as his arm strength progresses with more appearances, but this is far from a forgone conclusion. The psychological damage from the reliever's 2009 nightmare season will be difficult to undo.