Former Philadelphia Phillie reliever Ryan Madson signed a one-year, $8.5 million contract today... with the Cincinnati Reds? Madson was originally looking for a long-term deal in the $40 million range, but the Phillies decided to sign former Boston Red Sox/Mississippi State headcase Jonathan Papelbon for 4 years, $50 million. This led to Madson looking elsewhere. No big market teams were looking to lock up a closer for a long-term deal, so Madson landed in Cinci for a year.
Madson is still relatively new to the closer role. He was the eighth inning man for the Phillies during their World Series run in 2008 to set up then-closer Brad Lidge. Lidge became ineffective, leading to Madson taking over the closer role for a time before securing the role in 2011. 32 of his 52 career saves came this past season. The one thing this deal does for Madson is that it allows him to prove himself on a different team in a different division.
The Reds have a legitimate shot at the NL Central this year with the departure of Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder, as well as the general ineptitude of the Astros, Cubs, and Pirates. Adding a bonafide closer along with starting pitcher Mat Latos from the Padres makes them contenders in the NL Central this year. Madson is more likely to fall off the face of the earth than improve his stock, but this contract at least gives him the opportunity to be the unquestioned closer for a team and be able to jump ship to greener pastures after a year.
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