Though nothing has been confirmed yet, multiple sources (Jon Heyman, Ken Rosenthal, Jim Duquette {See how I named the sources {Not that hard to do, right? Why can't our reporters do the same?}) have reported the Phillies and reliever Ryan Madson are nearing a deal which seems like it will be in the neighborhood of 4 years and $44 million with a potential 5th year option for $13 million. I agree with most opinions that the Phillies seem to be in the process of overpaying for a closer who probably could have been had for less. I also think that once this deal is completed, it will set the table for what the rest of the relievers will make this offseason. Heath Bell will look at this and want what, $15 million per season. How about Jonathan Paperbon and Francisco Rodriquez? They will now command more than Bell. And relievers such as Jonathan Broxton, Joe Nathan and even Leo Nunez (or whatever his real name is) and David Aardsma, who teams may have been looking at as bargains, will now command considerably more. All this because the Phillies started the offseason by overpaying for their closer.
The Phillies deserve the benefit of doubt though. Yes GM Ruben Amaro will be overpaying but he has the right to. Lets remember he is in charge of the team that has won the last 5 NL East titles, winning a World Series and another Pennant in the process. Some have compared the move that former Mets GM Omar Minaya would make. To me, that sounds like bitter Mets fans who are just jeolous over the success the Phillies have had. It seems like some Mets fans feel better now that the Phillies may overspend on Madson. If this is you, you need to get a clue! All teams overspend in one way, shape or form. Amaro has one with the team he has, and the decisions he has made. Whoever signs Jose Reyes will overspend. And when that decison is called "bad" the real verdict will be determined by whether the signing team wins or loses.
The potential Madson signing is different to the Mets signing Oliver Perez (off one good year- 2007 and kind-of good year-2008) or Luis Castilllo. (decent player entering the later stages in his career) Madson is coming off his best season and is still in his prime. The Phillies have also had him in their organization for years and at this moment, he is at his best. Overpaid, yes, but Ruben Amaro has earned the right to make whatever moves he wants.
Omar Minaya made one playoff appearance in 5 years with the Mets. The Phillies have made the playoffs the last 5 years. It seems like I'm stating the obvious but apparently some of the critics have forgotten this simple fact. I agree that Madson should have been had for less in both years and annual dollars but in NO way does that make Ruben Amaro similar to Omar Minaya.
The Phillies deserve the benefit of doubt though. Yes GM Ruben Amaro will be overpaying but he has the right to. Lets remember he is in charge of the team that has won the last 5 NL East titles, winning a World Series and another Pennant in the process. Some have compared the move that former Mets GM Omar Minaya would make. To me, that sounds like bitter Mets fans who are just jeolous over the success the Phillies have had. It seems like some Mets fans feel better now that the Phillies may overspend on Madson. If this is you, you need to get a clue! All teams overspend in one way, shape or form. Amaro has one with the team he has, and the decisions he has made. Whoever signs Jose Reyes will overspend. And when that decison is called "bad" the real verdict will be determined by whether the signing team wins or loses.
The potential Madson signing is different to the Mets signing Oliver Perez (off one good year- 2007 and kind-of good year-2008) or Luis Castilllo. (decent player entering the later stages in his career) Madson is coming off his best season and is still in his prime. The Phillies have also had him in their organization for years and at this moment, he is at his best. Overpaid, yes, but Ruben Amaro has earned the right to make whatever moves he wants.
Omar Minaya made one playoff appearance in 5 years with the Mets. The Phillies have made the playoffs the last 5 years. It seems like I'm stating the obvious but apparently some of the critics have forgotten this simple fact. I agree that Madson should have been had for less in both years and annual dollars but in NO way does that make Ruben Amaro similar to Omar Minaya.
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