Rebekah Milsted
07-13-2011, 10:52 PM
Ryan Madson’s contract is up at the end of the season. This means that he will be a free agent come 2012. The first half of the season Madson has proven that he is an outstanding closer. However, since he is throwing well will he try and get more money? Will the Phillies pay or will they go with the young arms?
Ryan Madson in 2009 signed a three year 12 million dollar contract. This means that he is making about 4.9 million dollars per season. The past two seasons was 4.9 for being a set up man, not being able to close, and for kicking a wall.
This season he is earning 4.9 million for stepping up and gaining the confidence to close. When he stepped in as closer he was perfect as he went 14-14. He has only given up 1 save in 16 opportunities. The first half of the season Madson has an ERA of just 2.03 which is the second best for the Phillies relievers. If Madson didn’t end up on the disabled list then who knows he could have the best ERA of all relievers. Ryan is having his best season yet. The season may only be half over but if Ryan continues the success, keeps his confidence, and does not have any more stints on the DL he and his agent will no doubt be asking for more money.
Ryan’s agent is Scott Boras. He is a well known agent in the baseball world. He represents roughly 200 players. He has negotiated for Barry Bonds, Manny Ramirez, Barry Zito, etc. One of his most famous contract signings is the 2000 contract of Alex Rodriguez for 252 million dollars over ten years to play for the Texas Rangers. To Phillies fans he is to blame for J.D Drew refusing to play for the team and Jayson Werth’s 126 million dollar contract to play for the Washington Nationals. Scott Boras is known for getting big deals, this means he will most likely try to help Ryan Madson as much as possible. Will the Phillies pay?
The Phillies are the second highest payroll in Major League Baseball only to be lower than the New York Yankees. Their payroll is allegedly $172,976,381. This is a ton of money and do they have more money to spend probably not too much. Raul Ibanez, Jimmy Rollins, Danyz Baez, Brian Schneider, and Ross Gload, are also up for free agency. This means that depending on who the Phillies want to sign it can lead to free up money to offer Madson. Madson has expressed that he wants to finish his career in Philly but will they be willing to give him want he wants or will they go in another direction?
The Phillies can decide to go in the direction of the young arms. Antonio Bastardo and Michael Stutes have made a name for themselves. They have filled in for the bullpen quite well. Stutes has become an unbelievable 8th inning man. He has a 3.26 ERA with a 3-1 record. His ERA may be high but it could be worse. He has had an outstanding first half to his rookie season and he is one that the Phillies can rely on. Antonio Bastardo has been amazing. He has filled in for Ryan Madson as closer. He is 3-0 and has an ERA of just 0.82. He is 5-5 in save opportunities. He has stepped up in a big way. Could he be the closer of the future?
Stutes and Bastardo could be the future of the bullpen. However can the Phillies trust them since they are young? Could they handle the pressure they will face or the criticism? If the Phillies resign Ryan Madson can they trust him as a closer since he has struggled in the past? Will he be able to keep his confidence? The Phillies bullpen can go either way next year and will be interesting to watch which direction they choose.
Ryan Madson in 2009 signed a three year 12 million dollar contract. This means that he is making about 4.9 million dollars per season. The past two seasons was 4.9 for being a set up man, not being able to close, and for kicking a wall.
This season he is earning 4.9 million for stepping up and gaining the confidence to close. When he stepped in as closer he was perfect as he went 14-14. He has only given up 1 save in 16 opportunities. The first half of the season Madson has an ERA of just 2.03 which is the second best for the Phillies relievers. If Madson didn’t end up on the disabled list then who knows he could have the best ERA of all relievers. Ryan is having his best season yet. The season may only be half over but if Ryan continues the success, keeps his confidence, and does not have any more stints on the DL he and his agent will no doubt be asking for more money.
Ryan’s agent is Scott Boras. He is a well known agent in the baseball world. He represents roughly 200 players. He has negotiated for Barry Bonds, Manny Ramirez, Barry Zito, etc. One of his most famous contract signings is the 2000 contract of Alex Rodriguez for 252 million dollars over ten years to play for the Texas Rangers. To Phillies fans he is to blame for J.D Drew refusing to play for the team and Jayson Werth’s 126 million dollar contract to play for the Washington Nationals. Scott Boras is known for getting big deals, this means he will most likely try to help Ryan Madson as much as possible. Will the Phillies pay?
The Phillies are the second highest payroll in Major League Baseball only to be lower than the New York Yankees. Their payroll is allegedly $172,976,381. This is a ton of money and do they have more money to spend probably not too much. Raul Ibanez, Jimmy Rollins, Danyz Baez, Brian Schneider, and Ross Gload, are also up for free agency. This means that depending on who the Phillies want to sign it can lead to free up money to offer Madson. Madson has expressed that he wants to finish his career in Philly but will they be willing to give him want he wants or will they go in another direction?
The Phillies can decide to go in the direction of the young arms. Antonio Bastardo and Michael Stutes have made a name for themselves. They have filled in for the bullpen quite well. Stutes has become an unbelievable 8th inning man. He has a 3.26 ERA with a 3-1 record. His ERA may be high but it could be worse. He has had an outstanding first half to his rookie season and he is one that the Phillies can rely on. Antonio Bastardo has been amazing. He has filled in for Ryan Madson as closer. He is 3-0 and has an ERA of just 0.82. He is 5-5 in save opportunities. He has stepped up in a big way. Could he be the closer of the future?
Stutes and Bastardo could be the future of the bullpen. However can the Phillies trust them since they are young? Could they handle the pressure they will face or the criticism? If the Phillies resign Ryan Madson can they trust him as a closer since he has struggled in the past? Will he be able to keep his confidence? The Phillies bullpen can go either way next year and will be interesting to watch which direction they choose.