REPORTS: Phillies and Jonathan Papelbon Agree to Deal
According to multiple outlets, the Philadelphia Phillies and Closer Jonathan Papelbon, formerly of the Boston Red Sox, have come to an agreement on a 4-year $50 million contract. Earlier in the week, there were rumors that the Phillies had re-signed their own free agent closer, Ryan Madson. However, a report the following day cited that Phillies team President David Montgomery allegedly nixed the deal. Ruben Amaro Jr. has since refuted that a deal was ever in place with the Madson camp.
Jonathan Papelbon is 30 years old. He has spent his entire career with the Boston Red Sox, where he has been a top notched closer. Papelbon is a career 23-19 with a 2.33 ERA. He has 219 career saves for the Bo Sox. Last year, Papelbon was 4-1 with a 2.94 ERA while converting 31 of 34 saves.
Ryan Madson is a product of the Phillies organization, and has spent his entire career here. After starting out as a Starting Pitcher, Madson was moved to the bullpen full time in 2007. Over the past few seasons, frequent injuries to closer Brad Lidge have resulted in Madson being thrust into the closer's role. He had some success there, but really came into his own during this past season. Madson was 4-2 with a 2.37 ERA. Madson converted 32 of the 34 save opportunities he was given.
After the Phillies' season ended prematurely in the NLDS against the St. Louis Cardinals, GM Ruben Amaro Jr. said that the team wanted a proven closer. Apparently, the Philadelphia Phillies have gotten their man.
