Philadelphia Baseball Review: Madson deal nixed by ownership

Source: Madson deal nixed by

ownership; closer search continues BY Patrick Gordon November 10, 2011 pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com ______________________________________ Like a flag blowing in the wind, the saga surrounding Ryan Madson and the Phillies has drifted in so many directions over the last 72-hours that even the most basic of details is in question. What we know is this: a source close to the Review confirmed Tuesday morning that the Phillies and Madson had reached a verbal agreement on a four-year deal worth $44 million with a fifth year vesting option for an additional $13 million. Upon both sides agreeing to the terms, the deal was presented to ownership for final approval. And here we sit. According to published reports, general partner and CEO David Montgomery has been mulling over the contract since Tuesday evening, uneasy about the length of the deal. A source close to the Review confirmed Thursday morning that ownership is unlikely to approve any deal longer than three years. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported Wednesday that a source noted the current collective bargaining agreement may be a reason for the delay in getting a deal finalized. The current CBA expires in December and rules may change slightly moving forward about signing big-money free agents. A new CBA agreement may be in place by the end of next week. Nothing has been confirmed as of Thursday morning, and the deal still appears to be at a standstill. Madson, who will be 31-years-old on Opening Day next season, went 4-2 with a 2.37 ERA and 32 saves in 34 opportunities during 2011. Given the uncertainty surrounding Madson’s situation, general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. has maintained contact with the other top closer on the free agent market in Jonathan Papelbon. Papelbon, who will turn 31 later this month, converted 31 of 34 save opportunities last season. His 219 career saves is the second-most of any closer in history through the first seven years of a career. To compound matters, news broke Wednesday night that the Nationals have an interest in Madson and have reached out to Scott Boras to discuss a possible deal. Follow the Review on Twitter @Philabaseball and visit our blog for up to the minute updates regarding this story as it further develops.