The Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly close to a new contract with free agent closer Ryan Madson, according to ESPN’s Jayson Stark.
The Phillies have also been talking with Jonathan Papelbon, according to SI’s Jon Heyman.
Madson had a strong season as a first-time closer in 2011, converting 32 of 34 saves while posting a 2.37 ERA and 9.2 strikeouts per nine innings. The Phillies declined Brad Lidge’s $12.5 million option for 2012, and if the Phillies don’t bring back Madson to be the closer, they will likely go with another free agent option like Papelbon or Heath Bell.
Papelbon is also a top-notch option. He spent the last seven years with the Boston Red Sox, compiling 219 saves and 2.33 ERA in 396 games. Four times he was selected to the AL All-Star team, although his stay in Boston may have ended bitter with a pair of blown saves in the final weekend series to the Baltimore Orioles.
Either way, it appears Amaro intends to spend money again this offseason, ensuring the Phillies are once again competitors in the NL East.
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