Phillies, Madson Nearing Four-Year Deal
WEDNESDAY, 12:20am: Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. and Madson have agreed to a four-year, $44MM deal, tweets SI's Jon Heyman. The contract has been awaiting the approval of Phillies CEO David Montgomery for over a day, however.
Meanwhile, a source close to Madson told CSNPhilly.com's Jim Salisbury Tuesday night that there was no deal and talks were ongoing. Papelbon may still be in the picture.
TUESDAY, 5:07pm: Yahoo's Tim Brown confirms the sides are discussing a deal worth $44MM over four years plus a fifth-year option for $13MM (Twitter links). Nothing is official yet.
4:36pm: The Phillies are closing in on a four-year deal with Ryan Madson, according to Jim Duquette of MLB Network Radio (Twitter links). The contract could include a fifth year vesting option for the Scott Boras client. The sides seem to be discussing an annual salary of $11MM or so for Madson, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com (on Twitter).
Madson, 31, became Philadelphia's full-time closer in 2011, converting 32 saves. He posted a 2.37 ERA with 9.2 K/9, 2.4 BB/9 and a 48.8% ground ball rate in 60 2/3 innings of relief. He's a Type A free agent, but the Phillies won't have to surrender a draft pick to sign their own player. However, they would obtain two picks if the right-hander signs elsewhere after turning down arbitration.
If the deal goes through, it would help other free agent closers, none more so than Jonathan Papelbon. No reliever signed a four-year deal last offseason, although five pitchers signed three-year contracts. In fact, no reliever has signed a four-year deal since Scott Linebrink and Francisco Cordero four years ago. MLBTR's Tim Dierkes predicted last month that Madson had a shot at four years.
Bryan Grosnick examines the fantasy implications of the move at CloserNews.com, the destination for reliever-related fantasy baseball content.
Phillies Notes: Cuddyer, Oswalt, Madson
The Phillies are nearing a four-year deal with Ryan Madson. Here are some more notes about the team, starting with a potential teammate for the closer:
- Michael Cuddyer visited the Phillies today, according to Tom Sredenschek of FOX 29 in Philadelphia (on Twitter). The Phillies are said to be pursuing the outfielder seriously.
- The Phillies are still talking to free agent right-hander Roy Oswalt as they complete their deal with Madson, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (Twitter link). Many other teams are pursuing Oswalt, who seeks a multiyear deal. Rosenthal reported earlier today that the Nationals plan a major push for Oswalt.
- Cuddyer placed 11th on MLBTR's list of top free agents, while Madson ranked 14th and Oswalt placed 18th.
Heyman On Posada, Dodgers, Beltran, Morrison
The latest rumors tweeted from SI's Jon Heyman…
- The Yankees haven't been in touch with free agent Jorge Posada so far this offseason, according to Heyman.
- A person with knowledge of the Dodgers sale says bidding will definitely go over $1 billion, and Frank McCourt may well reach his $1.2 billion target.
- The Phillies and Ryan Madson are now engaged in serious discussions, and Heyman expects the two sides to reach an agreement soon. This fits with what was written about Madson and the Phillies yesterday.
- The Red Sox are interested in free agent right fielder Carlos Beltran. I ranked Beltran ninth on my top 50 free agents list, predicting Boston as his destination.
- One executive who spoke to the Marlins tells Heyman 24-year-old left fielder Logan Morrison is off-limits. The executive could see the Fish making an exception for James Shields, however.
- The Brewers believe they have almost no hope to re-sign Prince Fielder and are now targeting free agent shortstop Jose Reyes. The Marlins will meet with Reyes in South Florida tomorrow, tweeted Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. The Brewers would have to give the Mets the 28th overall pick in next year's draft to sign Reyes, while the Marlins would only have to surrender a second-round pick.
- The Yankees were disappointed Jonathan Sanchez went to the Royals, as they believed they had more to offer to the Giants. The Royals acquired Sanchez and a minor leaguer from the Giants for Melky Cabrera yesterday.
- The Yankees are impressed by what they've seen so far of Cuban center fielder Yoenis Cespedes, though it's mainly limited to video. Cespedes' bizarre showcase video mostly shows off the player's athleticism and style. For a rundown of Cespedes' suitors, click here, and for a scout's view of him, check out the latest from MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo.
- Yankees executive Billy Eppler grew up with free agent lefty C.J. Wilson, for what it's worth. The Yankees will talk to Wilson, who GM Brian Cashman acknowledged is the "best pitcher on the marketplace right now."
Quick Hits: Maddux, Maine, Jackson, Darvish
The Orioles officially announced that they’ll name Dan Duquette their executive VP of baseball operations tomorrow. While that front office change was expected, the Twins’ decision to replace Bill Smith with Terry Ryan was most certainly not. Here are some notes from around MLB on yet another busy day for front office movement…
- The Cubs will interview Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux for their managerial opening Wednesday, according to reporters, including MLB.com’s Carrie Muskat (on Twitter). Maddux withdrew from Boston’s managerial search for family reasons.
- ESPN.com’s Keith Law explores the middle infield market and warns potential suitors that Willie Bloomquist, Alex Gonzalez and Yuniesky Betancourt may disappoint in 2012. MLBTR has examined the market for shortstops and second basemen in recent weeks.
- John Maine feels healthy and intends to pitch in 2012, according to Andy Martino of the New York Daily News (Twitter link).
- The Yankees have had preliminary discussions with agent Scott Boras about free agent starter Edwin Jackson, according to George A. King III of the New York Post.
- Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports explains that the upcoming collective bargaining agreement relates to the market for starting pitching, since teams aren’t likely to commit tens of millions to players before the details of the CBA become clear. Morosi also reports it’s likely, but not definite that Yu Darvish will be posted this offseason.
- Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. has told clubs and agents he intends to be proactive this winter, according to ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark (on Twitter). Stark and others have reported that the Phils are currently pushing to sign Ryan Madson.
- Jim Callis of Baseball America looks back at the drafted players who fell furthest because of signability questions.
Phillies Making Strong Push For Ryan Madson
9:26pm: The Phillies have also had talks with Jonathan Papelbon and seem determined to sign him or Madson, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com (on Twitter).
8:18pm: Talks are "advancing, but not complete," a source told ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick (Twitter links). Agent Scott Boras told Crasnick that the sides are still exchanging proposals.
7:23pm: The Phillies are making a "strong push" to re-sign Ryan Madson, according to ESPN.com's Jayson Stark (on Twitter). Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports also hears that the Phillies are working hard to complete a deal for Madson. However, GM Ruben Amaro Jr. hasn't ruled other free agents out.
"It's no secret I need a closer," Amaro told Rosenthal. "I am talking to everyone."
Madson, 31, became Philadelphia's full-time closer in 2011, converting 32 saves. He posted a 2.37 ERA with 9.2 K/9, 2.4 BB/9 and a 48.8% ground ball rate in 60 2/3 innings of relief. He's a Type A free agent, but the Phillies won't have to surrender a draft pick to sign their own player. However, they would obtain two picks if the right-hander signs elsewhere after turning down arbitration from Philadelphia.
ESPN.com's Buster Olney reported earlier today that the Blue Jays are taking a "very aggressive" approach in their search for a closer (Twitter link). Though it's not clear if they're targeting Madson, Olney won't be surprised if Toronto ends up with one of the top free agent relievers.
Yoenis Cespedes To Gain Free Agency
7:15pm: The Red Sox are "sending everyone" to the Dominican to evaluate Cespedes, according to MLB.com's Peter Gammons. The Rangers are also interested, along with the many teams named below, according to Gammons, who confirms that small-market teams like the A's, Pirates and Indians will be involved.
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports names the Marlins, Yankees, Red Sox, Tigers, and Nationals as teams with a significant presence at the Friday workout.
5:49pm: Yankees GM Brian Cashman confirmed that he saw the Cespedes video, but wouldn't say whether the Yankees are interested, according to Marc Carig of the Star-Ledger (link on Twitter; the video has been removed). Meanwhile, Braves GM Frank Wren told David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he doesn't expect to sign the center fielder, though they're checking in on him (Twitter link).
2:25pm: The Yankees, Phillies, Blue Jays, Giants, Marlins, Nationals, Indians, Athletics, and Pirates have had a presence at Cespedes' workouts, reports Yahoo's Tim Brown. Giants GM Brian Sabean told reporters today that his team will not be involved on Cespedes, however (via Andrew Baggarly on Twitter).
Agent Adam Katz tells Brown he'll wait until his client is technically declared a free agent before discussing contract terms with teams. The Yankees, Phillies, and Marlins will have private workouts with Cespedes within the next few weeks, with a Marlins contingent heading to the Dominican Republic this week.
8:30am: Cuban center fielder Yoenis Cespedes defected mid-summer and is expected to be cleared for free agency within a matter of weeks, reports Yahoo's Jeff Passan. The 26-year-old is "arguably the best all-around player to come out of Cuba in a generation," according to Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus, who describes Cespedes as "a legitimate centerfielder with plus power and speed." Both Passan and Goldstein expect the 26-year-old to receive a deal in the range of the $30.25MM Aroldis Chapman received in January of 2010. MLBTR first told you about Cespedes' escape from the Cuban National Team in July.
If you really want to get to know Cespedes, though, you need to watch the 20-minute YouTube video sent by his trainer to MLB teams. Goldstein's column provides a full breakdown of this bizarre production, but I'll just note that it includes Cespedes making a 45-inch vertical jump, leg-pressing 1,300 pounds (with two friends atop the weights), catching a flyball behind his back while facing the batter (twice), a thank you to Ahman Green, and the player roasting a pig. Some of the songs used may not be appropriate for your workplace, except for Christopher Cross' 1980 hit "Sailing," which was deemed too tame even for your office's elevator.
Cespedes is represented by Adam Katz of Wasserman Media Group. Passan says the Yankees are "particularly hot" for the center fielder. Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post says the Nationals had multiple talent evaluators on hand at Cespedes' workout last week in the Dominican Republic, and a team official said they'd "love to have him." Ownership has been informed about Cespedes and what it would take to sign him. The Marlins and Phillies are also in the mix for Cespedes, writes Kilgore. As with Chapman, this type of player in his prime will draw the interest of almost every club.
The Marlins have the inside track, one American League source who attended the showcase told Juan C. Rodriguez of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. A Marlins contingent including owner Jeffrey Loria will visit Cespedes in the Dominican Republic later this week, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.
Rosenthal On Butler, Sizemore, Orioles
The latest from Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports…
- The Phillies have serious interest in free agent Michael Cuddyer, although Rosenthal is skeptical of them adding a player who turns 33 in March. Rosenthal says other left fielders are in the mix, but none are ideal. One player Rosenthal did not mention is Josh Willingham, who I can see the Phillies considering. As for a splash at shortstop, Rosenthal says Jose Reyes' leg problems scare the Phillies.
- The Orioles were desperate to find a new GM and Dan Duquette was desperate to be a GM again, writes Rosenthal. A press conference is expected this week to announce Duquette's three-year deal.
- The Royals view Billy Butler and Eric Hosmer as their 3-4 hitters long-term, so don't look for Butler on the trade market this winter. The 25-year-old is potentially under team control through 2015 on an extension signed in January.
- Rosenthal sees Grady Sizemore landing with a high-revenue team for an amount close to the $9MM option Cleveland passed on. I'd be surprised if he tops $7MM guaranteed. Sizemore's agent Joe Urbon said his client prefers to play center field, but is open to a corner spot.
- The Orioles are trying to add pitching depth via the six-year minor league free agent market. Here's the list of minor league free agents from Matt Eddy of Baseball America.
- Rosenthal says to look for Ryne Sandberg to be promoted to Phillies bench coach of Pete Mackanin is hired by the Cubs or Red Sox. He also thinks recently-fired Cubs manager Mike Quade would then be a possibility to manage the Phillies' Triple-A club.
East Notes: Thome, Braves, Red Sox, O’s
The Phillies made one of the first notable signings of the offseason the other day, inking Jim Thome to a one-year deal. Here's some more on Thome and the rest of the game's Eastern division teams…
- Thome's deal with the Phillies allows him to earn an additional $250K based on his plate appearances, according to this tweet from ESPN's Jerry Cracnick. Thome will earn $50K for reaching 175, 200, 225, 250, and 275 plate appearances, making his contract potentially worth $1.5MM.
- Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports says the Braves would be open to trading anyone for the right price, following their late season collapse. Rosenthal also notes that Atlanta tried to acquire Lorenzo Cain from both the Brewers and Royals last offseason, offering up Brandon Beachy. They also tried for a swap of Jair Jurrjens and Brett Lawrie with Milwaukee, but were unsuccessful.
- WEEI.com's Arielle Aronson wonders if the Red Sox will pursue Martin Prado as an alternative if Michael Cuddyer signs elsewhere. The Phillies are thought to be big players in the Cuddyer sweepstakes.
- Steve Gould of the Baltimore Sun offers up his thoughts on how free agents Edwin Jackson, Mark Buehrle, Roy Oswalt, and Carlos Pena could or couldn't fit the Orioles.
Olney On Reyes, Wright, Cuddyer, Prado
In his Sunday column, ESPN.com's Buster Olney weighs-in on David Wright and other stories from around baseball. Here are some highlights..
- This morning we learned that the Mets will listen on offers for David Wright. With a $15MM salary next year and a $16MM option (which Wright can void if dealt) for 2013, Olney writes that the club's best chance to get value in return for him is to deal him now. Wright will turn 30 next year and while he has been a good solider, he could eventually ask to be sent to a contending team. Instead, the Mets can deal him now and get players to help them win in 2014 or 2015.
- There is sentiment within the Mets' organization that the timing isn't right to build around Jose Reyes, tweets Buster Olney of ESPN.com. There are concerns that he's not a fit between his leg injuries and their own timetable for contending.
- One official told Olney that the Phillies' interest in Michael Cuddyer is so ardent that if wants to play with the Phillies, the deal is inevitable as the club will make it happen. The expectation within the industry is that the veteran will get at least a three-year deal.
- The Braves are open to trading Martin Prado this winter and given the attention currently being lavished on Michael Cuddyer in the free agent market, Prado figures to be quite popular. An AL official told Olney that Prado is like a younger version of Cuddyer and might be a better hitter.
- The Diamondbacks continue to negotiate with second baseman Aaron Hill, and there appears to be some momentum toward getting a deal done.
- Dan Duquette is on the verge of becoming the Orioles' next GM but as recently as five days ago, the club had no plans to interview him.
Sherman On Wright, Reyes
The latest from Joel Sherman of the New York Post…
- "We will listen on [David] Wright for sure," a Mets official told Sherman last week. The official added, "We know we are not going to win it all in 2012. We have to hope the Phillies get old and we are in position to take advantage of that in 2013-14, and we have to figure out ways to speed the process to get there." Sherman says the Mets crave a "young, defensive-oriented center fielder plus an arm or two" for Wright. He says they are focusing most on the Angels, and Peter Bourjos is a possibility.
- Sherman was hearing similar thoughts about Wright from a Mets official back on October 21st. Around then, an official told him, "We'll explore Wright's market. I think considering where we are as an organization, it would be foolish not to at least look at it. However, I expect actually pulling the trigger is a long shot." GM Sandy Alderson said on on October 31st that he thinks Wright will be a Met in 2012. Andy Martino of the New York Daily News heard a few days later that Alderson will be "strongly disinclined to deal" Wright. Though some of these reports have different themes, I don't consider them conflicting. I think the Mets are being careful not to be seen as "shopping" Wright, as that's considered a dirty word in terms of leverage. Wright seems far from off-limits, but with his value at a low point the Mets might prefer to wait.
- Sherman questions why the Mets weren't more proactive in trading Jose Reyes in July, a theme of my offseason outlook a few weeks ago. But I did note, "In Alderson's defense, Reyes spent half of July on the disabled list, perhaps cutting down his trade value to the point that two draft picks wasn't much worse."
- Sherman spoke to one American League talent evaluator who thinks the Phillies will be in on Reyes. It's true that they'll have the need and the money if Jimmy Rollins signs elsewhere.