If you look at a Ryan Madson baseball card, you'll see that the last pitch he thrown came with the Phillies in 2011. But two full seasons, two teams, and $12 million paid to Madson later, he has still yet to throw a pitch in the major leagues since the Phillies postseason in 2011 thanks to Tommy John surgery and subsequent complications. We knew that Madson was on the comeback trail, but today we saw for the first time that a team had interest in the former Phillies closer.
CSN Philly's Jim Salisbury wrote in today's mailbag that there is mutual interest in a reunion between Madson and the Phillies:
Q: Do the Phillies have an interest in Ryan Madson? — Mike Spinner
A: Yes, sources tell me they do. In fact, I hear that Madson has some interest in rejoining the Phillies, as well. Obviously, he has missed the last two seasons with elbow problems, but at 33 he might be an excellent low-risk, potential high-reward signing. Madson blossomed into one of the best relievers in baseball during his time in Philadelphia — his emergence was huge in winning the 2008 World Series — and is familiar with the organization, its leaders, its medical people and many of the players. We hear Madson will audition for clubs early in the New Year and the Phillies will surely keep tabs on him. He’d probably have to take a minor-league deal and prove himself, but a Philadelphia reunion might serve him and the team well.
For a team like the Phillies, this would be a low-risk move, provided the deal is a minor league deal. The Phillies know and like Madson. Unlike the Reds and the Angels of Anaheim, who spent millions to get nothing in return, a minor league deal would come with little risk.
For Madson, he'll be able to train and rehab in familiar grounds in Clearwater and not have to totally start over somewhere else. Though Madson is from the West Coast, this would be a comfortable opportunity for him.
For the Phillies, this could be an offseason where the team takes on many minor league deals in hopes that some of them work out in the Phillies' favor. Madson could do just that.
