An interesting blurb in Todd Zolecki's column on Phillies.com tonight: the Phillies were interested in a reunion with former set-up man Ryan Madson. However, the reunion is looking less and less likely. Madson, who never threw a pitch in 2012 and is a free agent, appears to be headed elsewhere:
The Phillies had been interested in bringing back Ryan Madson as a setup man, but it looks like he's headed elsewhere.
The past tense of Zolecki's wording seems to indicate Madson may have something in the works. Madson suffered an injury and had Tommy John surgery before ever throwing a major league pitch for the Cincinnati Reds, who signed him to be their closer in 2012. Even though Aroldis Chapman had a dominant season with the Reds as their closer in the wake of Madson's injury, the team may put him in the rotation after all.
The MLB.com report linked above that thought a Jonathan Broxton signing would be grounds to move Chapman to the starting rotation may not leave the Reds comfortable. Broxton was a mid-season addition by the Reds. We all remember Broxton from the NLCS in 2008 and 2009. So, the Reds may want one more safety net.
A Reds reunion with Madson makes sense. While he did not throw a pitch and may not be ready for opening day, the Reds could use Madson for insurance. However, another team may be moving closer to getting Madson's services.
The latest on Madson is that the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim of California are "hot" on Madson. The report originates from CSN Philly's Jim Salisbury, who also confirms that the Phillies were interested in a reunion before the Angels were willing to pay more.
In the offseason I felt that the Angels were the best fit for Madson. However, they decided to go with young and marginally-proven Jordan Walden back in February. Before April was over, Walden was demoted. Lefty Scott Downs got some saves, and the Angels turned to Ernesto Frieri, who ended up saving 23 games. While not available right away, Madson could be a veteran option down the line should Frieri pull a Walden.
Oh, and Bleacher Report thinks Madson will be a "perfect fit" on the Mets. Can't ignore that perspective, right?
