"Chilled at the weather but warmed by the reception in the office of Reds owner Bob Castellini, new Reds closer Ryan Madson says he's ready to get back to the playoffs.

No doubt that was sweet music to Castellini. Signed, sealed and delivered, he's yours, Reds fans. The Reds officially announced the signing of the former Philadelphia reliever to a one-year, $8.5 million contract with a mutual option for 2013.

The former Phillies closer (32 saves in 34 opportunities last year with a 2.37 ERA), said closer's roles were "few and far between'' for the upcoming season, and that's's why he jumped on the Reds' offer.

Once the Phillies signed Jonathan Papelbon and the Marlins signed Heath Bell and Boston traded for Andrew Bailey, the window closed quickly on Madson.

But not so quickly the Reds couldn't swoop in.

Madson said he hadn't played with any of the Reds players, but he sounded glad that he wouldn't have to face Joey Votto, Jay Bruce and Brandon Phillips this year.

He said he was aware of and pleased with the Reds' signing of left-handed setup man Sean Marshall from the Cubs.

"He's a great one for the eighth inning," Madson said. "(He) sets the table for the back end of the bullpen."

Over the past two seasons, Madson has a ratio of 126 strikeouts-to-15 unintentional walks, allowed only 96 hits over 113 2/3innings, and had a 2.45 ERA."