Burying Ryan Madson

Can I ask a question?

Why is Ryan Madson a "good" pitcher? In Philadelphia, a lot of people think this- but I don't get it.

He had a very good 2004.

But he was, at best, okay in 2005- took the ball a lot, but his WHIP was not good- and teams hit .319 off him (despite a lot of favorable lefty-righty match-ups).

He failed as a starting pitcher in 2006- and featured an ERA near 6 for the year.

Other than he does eat innings (a not insignificant plus), he hasn't been routinely effective in well over 100 outings now. Yet, he has this reputation as a plus-player. I frankly disagree. He was cover your eyes bad last year- and is not off to an auspicious start this season.