As DP wrote yesterday the Reds have signed Ryan Madson to a 1 year $8.5 million dollar deal. At no point did I think the Red Sox were really in the running for this guy, but I also thought the asking price was somewhere near Papelbon and that they were going to have to give him a 4 year deal. Yet, he ended up signing a 1 year deal and the money isn't even that high.
Maybe Madson didn't want to come here. Maybe he thought he'd have to battle for a job, but if you're asking me if I think Madson would've been a better closer to start the season over the oft-injured Bailey I would have to say that I did.
Just so we are clear, let me get this straight. We are willing to give Bobby Jenks a 2 year $12 million dollar deal, but a 1 year $9 million for a 31 year old close coming off a good year playing for a HUGE market isn't? Sorry that makes no sense. The ownership is willing to buy soccer teams with LeBron, and charge the highest ticket prices of any team in the majors, but shelling out 9 million on a short term contract is where they draw the line?
I get the Red Sox don't want to throw money around this offseason. They shouldn't have to after all the money they threw around last year, but this isn't even a lot of money, and having a bullpen of Bailey, Melancon, Madson, and Aceves (if not in rotation) would've made me feel a lot better. Especially since the Red Sox have a rotation that is notorious for not going deep into games, and is transitioning a setup guy (Bard) to the rotation. You really think he is going to eat up innings?
All I am saying is a 1 year $9 million deal for Madson is a steal and comes with basically no risk. Shame on the Red Sox if they had a chance.