Ryan Madson will sign a one-year deal for between $8.5 and $10 million with the Cincinnati Reds.
In November, rumors had Madson signing a four-year, $44 million deal with the Phillies. Nice job Scott Boras.
Madson will replace Francisco Cordero who became a free agent when the Reds declined a $12 million club option. Cordero received a $1 million buyout.
Good luck in Cincy.
The Phillies traded Ben Francisco to the Toronto Blue Jays for a minor league lefty in a move to clear money and a spot on the 40 man roster.
That spot will be filled by Dontrelle Willis, known as the D-Train. A former rookie of the year in 2003, the D-Train has been off track as a starter ever since. The Phillies plan to make him a reliever who may fill the lefty specialist role.
Stay tuned.
The Phillies are coming close to finalizing their roster for 2012 with the signing of Laynce Nix. Nix had a .750 OPS with 16 homeruns in 351 plate appearances for the Nationals.
Nix played both corner outfield positions and 9 games at first base.
The Phillies have signed Thome, Wigginton, Schneider and Nix and have one position on the bench to fill, likely Wilson Valdez.
Starting shortstop is still open and the return of Rollins is still unknown.
There are likely three stops in the bullpen open.
Winter meetings begin tomorrow. Ruben is on a roll.
The Phillies have been interested in Ty Wigginton for years. He’s a career .265 hitter with power from the right side. He plays third base, second base, first base, leftfield and rightfield. So he has the versatility the Phillies were looking for. During his ten year career he’s played for the Mets, Pirates, Rays, Astros, Orioles and Rockies.
This probably ends the Phillies interest in Michael Cuddyer who is reported to be looking for a three year deal around $10 million per year.
The Phillies will split Wigginton’s $4 million salary with the Rockies and the Phillies have an option for 2013.
Looks like a good fit. He’ll probably fill in for Howard to start the season. He can also spell Polanco and Utley during the season as well as play left and right field when needed.
Don’t rest now Ruben. Next…shortstop.
The Phillies made the right decision. Period.
After Madson’s agent, Scott Boras, leaked to the media that the Phillies offered four years at $44 million, that deal was off the table. The leak is Boras’s way of letting the rest of the teams in the league know what they had to offer to get Madson. Ruben Amaro and David Montgomery don’t play that game.
So…when the Levinson brothers, who represent Jonathon Papelbon, heard the news they knew the Phillies would make a similar offer for Papelbon, the better, more experienced closer.
You may be missing Madson now, but next October you’ll be screaming, Papelbon, Papelbon, Papelbon!
Jim Thome will join the Phillies to play his 22nd season in the big leagues continuing his quest for a World Series ring.
A career .277 hitter with 604 home runs and 1674 RBIs, Thome is Hall of Fame bound. During his first tour with the Phillies, from 2003 to 2005, he hit 96 homeruns and had 266 RBIs. His Phillies days were over when he injured his right elbow, had surgery and was replaced by Ryan Howard.
Thome will be the primary lefty off the bench and may see some time at first base. Thome has played a total of 28 at first base since 2006.
Welcome back Big Jim.
Phillies management will have its work cut out trying to improve this team. With the current budget limitations and long-term contracts with its core players how do you improve?
There’s been a lot said about three positions. Shortstop, third base and leftfield. Lets not forget the bullpen and closer Ryan Madson. And the bench will need to be rebuilt.
Guess what? That’s next year.
Do or Die.
It all comes down to one game. The Phillies will need a big performance by Roy Halladay. The line-up needs to perform. Pence, Howard and Victorino must show up.
Lets get’er done.
Phillies in four over the Cardinals. Can wait until Saturday.
Predictions?
