Did Scott Boras play his typical hardball with teams inquiring about Madson or was there just no market for a guy who was a closer for one year?

Nobody really knows what happen with the phantom 4yr $44 mil contract, but the Phillies weren’t happy about it and pulled a quick trigger on Paplebon. Boris? Madson? RAJ? Montgomery? we’ll never really ever know.

Ryan Madson was an above average set up man with Philadelphia, but he wanted to close. The Phillies management struggled with the idea of him closing on a regular basis.

Even heading into the 2011 season with closer Brad Lidge on the DL, Rich Dubee didn’t think Madson was ready and they started the season with Jose Contreras as the closer.

It wasn’t until Jose went down with an injury that Maddog got his shot and took advantage of the opportunity.

And take advantage of it he did getting 32 saves in 34 opportunities with an ERA of 2.37. His 2011 was slightly better then Papelbon who went 31/34 with a 2.94ERA.

So then why didn’t he get top closer money or even a multi-year deal? Maybe because his track record isn’t very good as a closer.

2010: 5 saves 5 blown – 2009: 10 saves 6 blown —

Career 52 saves 26 BLSV as compared to Papelbon’s career 219 saves 29 BLSV

Madson may be doing the smart thing here by taking 1 year at $8.5 million, it gives him the chance to prove he’s more then a one hit wonder and go back on the market in 2012 for the big bucks. Even if Madson bombs as a closer, I believe he can always go back to be a set up man, but I don’t think he’ll ever be back in the city of brotherly love again.

I believe somebody burned that bridge…to Lidge.

Either way Ryan Madson will be missed in Philly and we all wish him the best of luck in Cincy, except for of course when He plays the Phillies.