One product of the domino effect of Brad Lidge's trip to the bullpen is Ryan Madson filling in as the Phillies closer - something he's never done for an extended period in his major league career.

Madson has emerged as a shutdown setup reliever in the last 10 months. But isn't performing in the pressure-filled ninth inning a different ballgame?

Here's a little of what Madson and others had to say Tuesday:

Madson, on if he's more comfortable now than he would have been a year ago:

"I think I’m more comfortable overall after the experiences of the playoffs and the World Series and I think I’m just going to continue throwing the ball like I have... The playoffs and World Series, every inning was the inning. This year, getting the chance to do it, I guess it’s been less stressful. I think I’m more prepared this year than I have been in the past to do it."


Charlie Manuel, on Madson's filling in for Lidge:

"I think he can definitely do it. He definitely has the talent. I think he’s earned a shot."


Rich Dubee, on whether the jump to the eighth to the ninth inning is a big deal:

"Yeah, because there’s no game after (the ninth); but Ryan has had enough experience... I think he experienced it last year pitching in those pressure situations in the playoffs, I think getting big outs in the eighth often against the middle of lineups has given Ryan confidence he can close for us and do very well at it."

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In case you missed it, the Phillies took a pair of high school outfielders with their first two picks in the draft last night - Kelly Dugan and Kyrell Hudson.


Interesting note about Dugan: his father, Dennis Dugan, is apparently pals with Adam Sandler. Dugan is an director/producer/actor who directed four Sandler movies: "You Don't Mess with the Zohan," "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry," "Big Daddy" and "Happy Gilmore."

He also appeared in each of those movies, most recently as "Homeless Guy" in "Zohan."