Based on a tiny sample size of innings, some believers in the “magical closer” theory concluded that Madson didn’t have what it takes to be successful in the ninth inning. Others saw that Madson, who otherwise had a fantastic record as a reliever, in a large sample size, knew that there wasn’t anything magical about the 9th, and concluded he would be just fine in the closing role.

It’s not just Madson, it’s a fundamental issue that was being argued. Madson’s success this year is one more data point in an overwhelming series of data points that some people just don’t get. It’s like a religious belief in “intelligent design,” which will never die no matter how much evidence there is to discredit it. So, me, I’m all for rubbing it in people’s faces every opportunity one can. You may never convince those with a religious attachment to the “magical closer” theory, but you can hopefully dissuade more open minds from ever flirting with such ridiculous nonsense.

Oh, and by the way, when you call Aaron “a real baby,” you reveal just how thin-skinned you are.

And Aaron…isn’t it time to get off the whole “I told you so about Ryan Madson” bandwagon? The fact remains that until this year, he SUCKED as a closer, yet you continue to rip people for questioning whether he could close. Sometimes, you can be a real baby.