Reports: Angels, Madson agree to one-year deal
Hoping a reliever coming off "Tommy John" surgery can help their beleaguered bullpen, the Los Angeles Angels reached a one-year contract agreement with free agent Ryan Madson, multiple media outlets reported Tuesday.
Reports from the Los Angeles Times and Yahoo Sports indicated that the contract would include a low guaranteed salary plus incentives.
Madson, 32, saved 32 games for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2011, then signed a one-year free agent deal with the Cincinnati Reds. He never officially pitched for the Reds, as he was injured in spring training and underwent elbow surgery in April. Cincinnati declined his $11 million option following the season, making Madson a free agent again.
Prior to 2011, Madson was primarily a setup man during his first eight seasons with the Phillies. For his career, he has a 3.59 ERA, 52 saves and a 47-30 record in 491 appearances (18 starts).
According to the Times, Madson could resume throwing off a mound in late December or early January, putting him in line to pitch during spring training. The Southern California native reportedly is already throwing off flat ground.
The Angels blew 22 saves last year, tied for the league lead, a major factor in a disappointing season that saw them miss the playoffs despite high expectations. Midseason acquisition Ernesto Frieri led the team with 23 saves, and six other relievers recorded at least one save.
CBSsports.com reported that the Phillies and Reds both made offers to Madson in the past month. The same report indicated that Madson would take over as the Angels' closer if he is healthy.
