(I don't get paid to write a bad headline like that.)

Obviously some interesting developments in the ninth innings of the first two games down here in DC. The man to close out both games with saves?

Ryan Madson.

Brad Lidge? He was pulled one night, and then not used in his normal role the next night.

Here's a little on what the three pivotal people in Save-gate said tonight:


Lidge, who was out of character in hurrying through postgame questions, on not coming into a save situation Wednesday night:

"I’m happy with how Madson did and I’m happy we won. I didn’t play in the game, I haven’t talked to Charlie, so there’s not a whole lot for me to say, I’m just glad we won the game."



Manuel, on staying away from Lidge:

"Because of last night, of how everything developed, I just thought I’d leave him alone tonight...Well just wait and see (about tomrrow). I don’t want it to be a big thing. He was a great closer last year and he still has that stuff and that talent. I don’t’ think there’s a reason in the world he can’t get right, whether it’s this week, or tomorrow or two weeks from now, a month from now, two months, next year, three years from now, whatever. I think he’s still a good pitcher. I’m not down on Lidge. Not at all. I still have confidence in him."



Madson, on stepping up and into the closer's role, at least for the moment:

"If they call my name, I’ll be ready to go out there and get some outs. That’s all I was thinking. That’s going to be my mentality for the rest of the season. Whatever inning it is, just go get some outs. That’s all we need to worry about, get some outs at this point.

"(The ninth inning is) just a mentality thing; you get used to it. And then it’s just another inning. It doesn’t matter what inning, or what name you have behind you – set up guy, closer, it doesn’t matter – it’s just getting some outs. That’s all we need as a team. It doesn’t matter to me."