Ryan madson
Deep breath, before I say something about Ryan Madson that will get me arrested.

Exhale.

Ok.

Ryan Madson and Jose Contreras just took a piss all over a great performance by Kyle Kendrick. Kendrick threw 8 flawless innings before Madson came in an ruined his masterpiece.  I never saw a guy who liked giving up untimely home runs more than Madsen.  Whatever he was doing during the 2008 post season, he should do it again, because he hasn't been the same since.

Tonight's debacle just brings to light the problems with our staff.  Let's go through the shaky spots.

Number 3 starter Joe Blanton is injured and pitched in Lakewood tonight.

Number 4 starter JA Happ has a sore arm injury that is causing him to miss a start.

Jamie Moyer is 900 years old, and coming off off-season surgery.

Kyle Kendrick got shelled in his previous two outings, and hasn't proven himself to be a consistent big league pitcher.

JC Romero pitched in Lehigh Valley tonight, recovering from an injury.

Brad Lidge has been getting hit around in minor league rehab starts.  No telling whether he comes back healthy, and if he does, no assurance he returns to 2008 form.

All these guys, key pieces to the team if there is any shot of winning a championship.  Now, the injuries, for the most part, are minor.  However, we are only 3 weeks into the season and we have reports of rehab starts coming in from all over the eastern seaboard.  Not good.

Further, Jimmy Rollins is hurt, Jayson Werth tweaked a hip, and Madson is proving to not be a viable option should Lidge falter.  Many questions, with many key members of the team.

A lot of this is post game ranting, but all of those pretty blowouts against the Nats and Astros (combined record of 11-16) are proving to be a bit of an aberration.