Philadelphia Phillies News: Pro Sports Daily

February 3

CSN Philly

columnist Jim Salisbury

"When Jamie Moyer was a Phillie he used to quietly slip over to Carpenter Complex every spring and speak to the organization's minor-league pitchers. Moyer was an invited guest. Team officials used to like to have him address the organization's young pitchers on what it took to get to – and stay in – the major leagues. Moyer barely mentioned talent. His message focused on perseverance, preparation, conditioning, attitude, mental edge and many of the other intangibles it takes to survive in the majors."

Where do the Phils rank among MLB's best?

February 3

CSN Philly

"SI.com has come out with their 2012 MLB power rankings, and the Phillies come in at No. 3 on the list. With additions to the bullpen like Jonathon Papelbon and Chad Qualls, the Phils should be contenders once again. However, citing the loss of Roy Oswalt and Ryan Howard's injury to his Achilles as major reasons, Sports Illustrated thinks that the Phils won't have enough firepower to win as many games as they did in 2011. Also, another big factor was the NL East, which SI.com calls "baseball's new super-division" because of the Nationals and Marlins, ranked at 12 and 14 respectively."

Sources: Playoff expansion has issues

February 1

ESPN.com

"Baseball commissioner Bud Selig continues to talk confidently about expanding the baseball playoff field in 2012. But sources tell ESPN.com efforts to make that happen remain bogged down, all because of one thorny little complication: the details. Wednesday was supposed to be the day the commissioner's office finished a proposed schedule for the 2012 postseason and shipped it to the players' association for consideration. But sources told ESPN.com that deadline wasn't going to be met -- not because talks have broken down, but because fitting two extra wild-card pieces into the postseason puzzle has proven to be more involved than the commissioner has been willing to acknowledge. The new"

Phillies manager Manuel sees Miami Marlins as biggest threat

January 31

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

"Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said don't go to sleep on the Braves, but he characterized the Marlins the "biggest threat" to his club's run at another National League East title. Manuel's exact quote, as reported by CBSPhilly.com: "If you look at it on paper, you have to say the Florida Marlins are the biggest threat," Manuel said. "But I don't ever underestimate Atlanta. Chipper Jones said after the season that they have to be more consistent offensively, and they have some talent on their team. They have one of the best center fielders in the National League, talent-wise, and people haven't seen their young pitching, and they can sneak up and surprise us. Florida is getting a new"

Amaro eyes May return for Howard

January 31

MLB.com

"Compared to recent winters in Philadelphia this winter hasn't felt much like one at all, but Spring Training is still coming. Phillies pitchers and catchers hold their first official workout in just 20 days. Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr., manager Charlie Manuel and right fielder Hunter Pence shared their thoughts on some of the club's more pressing issues at Monday night's Philadelphia Sports Writers' Association banquet in Cherry Hill, N.J."

Countdown to Clearwater: Young works out for Phils

January 31

CSN Philly

"Former Nationals first baseman Dmitri Young worked out for the Phillies according to ESPN's Jim Bowden, via Twitter. "Dmitri Young worked out for the Phillies who said he showed Quick hands great foot work and his normal special bat speed...he's lost 75 lbs," Bowden tweeted. The 38-year-old corner infielder/outfielder hasn't played in the majors since 2008 with the Nationals. He hit .280 with four homers in 50 games that season."

Rangers' brass tight-lipped after meeting with Roy Oswalt

January 31

Dallas Morning News

"The Rangers' meeting with free-agent righthander Roy Oswalt on Monday produced no sign of ground-breaking developments. General manager Jon Daniels, who previously said he was "intrigued" by Oswalt, declined to comment. Bob Garber, who represents Oswalt, said the parties "had a very good meeting" but declined further comment. It was not known if the Rangers made a specific contract proposal. St. Louis has offered a one-year deal that includes a relatively low base salary with incentives."

Burrell, No. 1 overall pick in '98, calls it a career

January 30

MLB.com

"Pat Burrell is retiring after a 12-year Major League career, according to multiple reports that surfaced on Monday afternoon. Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors first reported that the 35-year-old outfielder was hanging up his cleats, and FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal confirmed the report, according to Rosenthal's Twitter account. Burrell spent the bulk of his career with the Phillies, winning a World Series in 2008, then most recently with the Giants, where he got his second World Series ring in 2010."

Blanton hopes to make up for lost time

January 30

Courier-Post

"For the past month, Joe Blanton has thrown a baseball nearly every day. It's a far cry from those torturous months this summer when every fiber of his being screamed for him to be on a pitcher's mound, but that nagging pain in his elbow kept saying no. When he finally did pick up a ball and begin throwing again in August, it was as much an experiment as it was rehabilitation. He didn't know what to expect."

Report: RHP Roy Oswalt seeking $10 million contract

January 30

Dallas Morning News

"Roy Oswalt might not come as cheap as originally thought. According to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal and Jon Morosi , Oswalt and the St. Louis Cardinals had discussed a one-year deal worth $7.5 million, but Oswalt is holding out for an eight-figure payday, hoping someone will up the ante to $10 million."

Rangers scheduled to meet with Roy Oswalt on Monday

January 30

Dallas Morning News

"Righthander Roy Oswalt is scheduled to meet with the Rangers on Monday. Boston, St. Louis and Houston are also involved in the Oswalt sweepstakes. The Rangers have not made an offer, a person familiar with the situation said. The Rangers met with another prominent free agent, first baseman Prince Fielder, on Jan. 13. That led to an offer, but Detroit surpassed the Rangers."

Phillies add speed by signing Pierre

January 28

Courier-Post

"Veteran outfielder Juan Pierre inked a minor-league deal with the Phillies on Friday, adding yet another name to the battle for the final bench spot in 2012. Pierre, 34, hit .279 with 50 RBI and 27 stolen bases in 158 games for the White Sox last season and will get his chance to win a roster spot with the Phillies this spring. One of baseball's best stolen-base threats throughout his career, Pierre has swiped at least 40 bags in nine of his 12 big-league seasons, including 68 steals for the White Sox in 2010. Pierre is also among the riskiest runners, too. He's led the league in caught stealing seven times — including being gunned down on 17 of his 44 attempts last year. Pierre likely"

Phillies, Pence split difference

January 28

Courier-Post

"The final significant item on Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr.'s offseason to-do list is now complete. Friday, the club agreed on a one-year, $10.4 million deal with right fielder Hunter Pence. Pence, 28, was the last player on the roster without a deal in place, but the two sides essentially split the difference in what each had submitted for arbitration earlier this month. "I'm very grateful to be able to sign this deal and play for the Phillies," Pence said. "They took care of me, and it's a very fair deal. I'm excited and very grateful." The Phillies offered Pence $9 million, while Pence was asking for $11.8 million. The deal goes a bit beyond what the Phillies had hoped to"

Phils meet Pence halfway with $10.4M deal

January 28

CSN Philly

"The Phillies and Hunter Pence avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $10.4 million contract Friday. The deal is at the halfway point between the $11.8 million Pence was seeking through arbitration and the $9 million the Phillies offered. Pence is not eligible for free agency until after the 2013 season."

Selig expects two one-game playoffs for this fall

January 28

Chicago Tribune

"Baseball appears ready for an extra round of wild-card playoffs by this fall, according to commissioner Bud Selig. "I really believe we'll have the (extra) wild card for this year," Selig said Friday at SoxFest. "Clubs really want it. I don't think I've ever seen an issue that the clubs want more than to have the extra wild card." The extra round would be one-game elimination in both the National and American Leagues to the teams who would have missed the playoffs as they are set up now. Some have argued for a best-of-three, but that appears impossible with the scheduled all but set for 2012."

Cards closing in on Roy Oswalt?

January 28

ESPN.com

"Free-agent pitcher Roy Oswalt has elected to remain in the National League and is likely to sign with theSt. Louis Cardinals "soon," a major league source said late Friday night. Presumably, any agreement would be pending a physical for Oswalt, who has a history of back problems. "It's not yet 100 percent," the source said. Oswalt, one of the last of the big-name free agents still on the market, had been ardently pursued by the Boston Red Sox, among others. Another team reportedly in the mix for Oswalt was the Texas Rangers, while CBSSports.com reported late Friday night that Oswalt had rejected an offer from the Detroit Tigers."

Pence agrees to one-year deal with Phillies

January 27

MLB.com

"The Phillies on Friday announced that they've agreed to terms with outfielder Hunter Pence, avoiding arbitration with their lone remaining player. Pence received a one-year contract for $10.4 million, plus award bonuses. "We're always focused on getting a deal done with a player," said assistant general manager Scott Proefrock. "We think that's the most productive way to handle these situations.""

Phillies target Pierre

January 27

CSN Philly

"The Phillies have spent the off-season remaking their bench and it might not be over yet. Baseball sources say the team has been engaged in "serious discussions" with free-agent outfielder Juan Pierre about a minor-league deal. At the winter meetings, Phillies front office adviser Pat Gillick said the team wanted to add some speed to its bench. Former American League stolen base champ Scott Podsednik will be in camp as a non-roster player. If Pierre signs, he could battle Podsednik for the fifth outfielder's job. Pierre is a former National League stolen base champ. It should be pointed out that Podsednik will turn 36 in March and has had foot problems in recent seasons. Pierre is 34."

Lidge: 'Disappointed' and 'excited'

January 27

CSN Philly

"About 10 days ago, Brad Lidge learned he wasn't in the Phillies' plans for 2012. Three days ago, he wanted to hear it for himself. He called general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. "Ruben was honest with me and I appreciate that," Lidge said hours after signing a one-year contract with the Washington Nationals on Thursday (see story). "I let him know I was disappointed, but at the same time I wished him luck. There are no hard feelings. It's part of the business.""

Lidge's days with Phils come to an end

January 27

Courier-Post

"At his best, Brad Lidge provided one of the most indelible images of the past three decades of Phillies history, closing out Game 5 of the 2008 World Series. At his worst, perhaps no player in recent memory was more roundly critiqued and criticized. After four years of heroics and frustration, Lidge's tenure with the Phillies officially came to an end Thursday when the closer inked a one-year deal with the division-rival Washington Nationals. Lidge's departure from Philadelphia seemed almost assured when the team declined a $12 million option for the 2012 season and declined to offer salary arbitration last month."

Report: Rangers front office debating over need for Roy Oswalt

January 27

Dallas Morning News

"Roy Oswalt apparently wants to pitch for the Texas Rangers. But do the Rangers want Roy Oswalt? According to a tweet by ESPN's Jerry Crasnick on Thursday, there is some debate in the Rangers' front office as to the club's need for Oswalt given the surplus of starting pitching the team already seems to have. The Rangers currently have four starters from last year's rotation on the roster: Derek Holland, Colby Lewis , Matt Harrison and Alexi Ogando. But with the signing of Yu Darvish and the move of Neftali Feliz into a starting role, the club now has six starters for five spots, a fact that will likely push Ogando back into the bullpen."

Brad Lidge adds wisdom, experience to Nationals' bullpen

January 27

Washington Times

"Brad Lidge has been to the top of the mountain — and on the bottom of the pile. He's been the man on the mound when the World Series championship is decided, the one spreading his arms, ready to receive a jubilant catcher after reaching the sport's pinnacle. And he's been to the depths of his profession. In a career that's spanned 10 major league seasons with the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies, Lidge is a pitcher who's struggled through injury, inconsistency and with overcoming one devastating home run swing."

Brad Lidge signs 1-year deal with Nationals

January 26

CBSSports.com

"The Nationals have signed former Phillies closer Brad Lidge to a one-year deal, the team announced on Thursday. The 35-year-old Lidge appeared in just 25 games for the Phillies last season because of a shoulder injury. His 2010 was limited by an elbow injury. Lidge was 0-2 with a 1.40 ERA in those 25 games last season, but managed just 19 1/3 innings, striking out 23 and walking 13, putting up a WHIP of 1.500."

Phils trade Valdez for Reds reliever

January 26

Courier-Post

"Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. continues to tinker with his bench and add to his bullpen, trading fan favorite Wilson Valdez to Cincinnati on Wednesday in exchange for lefty Jeremy Horst. Horst, 26, pitched in 12 games for the Reds last season, posting a 2.93 ERA. He spent the bulk of the year in Triple-A, where he was 1-4 with a 2.91 ERA in 36 appearances. He'll join Dontrelle Willis and Antonio Bastardo as potential left-handers in this season's Phillies bullpen."

Report: Free agent Roy Oswalt wants to pitch for either Rangers or Cardinals

January 26

Dallas Morning News

"Just a day after the Rangers officially missed out on Prince Fielder, the club found its name linked to another high-profile free agent. Three-time All-Star Roy Oswalt wants to play for either the Rangers or the St. Louis Cardinals next year, according to a report for Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal. "The Rangers, in the view of some executives, are the favorites to land Oswalt, even though they already have six starting pitchers, including right-hander Alexi Ogando, who could move to the bullpen," Rosenthal wrote."

Reds trade for Valdez, sign Masset

January 25

Cincinnati Enquirer

"The Reds traded left-hander Jeremy Horst to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for utility infielder Wilson Valdez. Valdez hit .249/.294/.341 in 273 at-bats for the Phillies. He's the guy who pitched the 19th inning against the Reds and earned the win. He played 45 games at second, 25 at shortstop and 24 at third base. My guess is he battles Paul Janish for one of the last bench spots."

Who is the NL's premier first baseman?

January 25

CSN Philly

"In case you haven't heard, Prince Fielder signed a nine-year deal with the Detroit Tigers for $214 million on Tuesday. With Fielder's departure from the Brewers, coupled with Albert Pujol's AL defection earlier this off-season, the list of star first basemen in the National League is dwindling. So, who is left? HardballTalk compiled a list of the league's first basemen, ranking them based on projected OPS numbers for the 2012 season. Curious where Ryan Howard ended up? His standing might surprise you. With a projected OPS of .850, Howard came in at fourth on the list behind the Reds' Joey Votto, Mets' Ike Davis and Cards' Lance Berkman, in that order."

MLB allows retired Tony La Russa to manage in All-Star game against Ron Washington

January 25

Dallas Morning News

"Tony La Russa will come out of retirement to manage the National League team for the July 10 All-Star Game at Kansas City. La Russa will go against Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington, who will handle the American League team for the second consecutive season. La Russa retired shortly after St. Louis defeated the Rangers in the seven-game World Series."

Free agent Roy Oswalt turns down Tigers

January 24

CSN Philly

"Roy Oswalt continues to wait. According to Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com (via HardballTalk) Roy Oswalt "did not want to go to Detroit" to play for the Tigers. The Detroit Tigers were "very interested" in Oswalt, even going as far as to have ace Justin Verlander call Oswalt, said Knobler. Presumably, Oswalt is waiting for the call from the Boston Red Sox."

Tigers pursuing Johnny Damon, Roy Oswalt in free agency

January 23

Detroit Free Press

"The Tigers are pursuing Johnny Damon to fill the void left by Victor Martinez's knee injury, Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports reported on Sunday. "And they should," he said. "He can hit in a number of lineup spots, which suits them well because Jim Leyland is still sorting through a number of lineup options." Damon, 38, is a career .286 hitter over 17 major league seasons and hit .271 with eight home runs and 11 stolen bases in 145 games with the Tigers in 2010."

Will Ibanez eventually find a team?

January 21

CSN Philly

"After three years of service to the Phillies, Raul Ibanez now finds himself outside of the organization's future plans. In fact, at present, he doesn't appear to be in immediate plans of any club. The 39-year-old Ibanez -- whose career earnings top the $59 million mark -- remains on the free agent market, hoping to catch on with anyone who might still have use for his services. According to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, Ibanez is just one of many "high-profile bats" who will have to be patient this off-season, as team's weigh their options against younger, presumably cheaper talent."

Amaro: Phils likely done with 'major' moves

January 21

CSN Philly

"The Phillies have one spot open on their 40-man roster and it will probably stay that way heading into spring training. "It's unlikely we'll be signing anybody else to a major-league deal," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said on Friday. "We like the club we have heading into camp." Any further additions to the team's spring-training roster would likely come on minor-league contracts. The team's reluctance to give any more major-league deals this off-season could spell bad news for reliever Brad Lidge, who is still a free agent and is seeking a big-league deal. Lidge and his representatives have stayed in touch with the Phillies and other clubs all winter."

Will aging Phillies adjust approach at plate?

January 20

CSN Philly

"One month now stands between the Phillies and the beginning of spring training. It's around this time of year that I begin to jot down story ideas and major plot lines that will require coverage during my time in Clearwater. The one idea that constantly catches my eye, because I know it will be garner attention this season, is the team's approach at the plate. General Manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. played doctor after the 2011 season and diagnosed his ailing lineup with a bad case of swingitis. Too many players were jumping at bad pitches and not working counts, leading to fewer hits and non-productive outs. The remedy: not being afraid to hit with two strikes, cutting down on strikeouts and"

Phils' top prospects get a taste of Philly

January 19

CSN Philly

"The Phillies are hosting 10 of their top prospects for a rookie development seminar this week at Citizens Bank Park. It's a reminder that spring training is just a month away. Among the prospects, reliever Phillippe Aumont might have the best chance of seeing time in Philadelphia this summer. "It's definitely my goal," he said. "I think it's realistic.""

Moyer agrees to deal with Rockies

January 19

CSN Philly

"49-year-old pitcher Jamie Moyer has agreed to a minor league contract with the Colorado Rockies. The deal includes an invitation to the Rockies' major league spring training camp, where Moyer is expected to both compete for a roster spot and mentor the organization's young arms."

Phillies hope young crop grows on farm

January 19

Courier-Post

"For three months, Joe Jordan has shuffled through reports, studied tape, crunched numbers and picked the brains of virtually any Phillies scouts and front-office staffer willing to spend a few minutes talking about the minor leagues. Jordan is the Phillies' new director of player development, stepping in after Chuck LaMar departed abruptly in September. After four straight years of offseason trades and deadline deals, the job is a daunting one."

Hamels, Phils agree to 1-year, $15M deal

January 18

Courier-Post

"The Phillies avoided arbitration with Cole Hamels on Tuesday, and the two sides continue to look toward a possible long-term agreement. Hamels agreed to a one-year, $15-million contract to avoid arbitration in advance of Tuesday's deadline to exchange salary figures with the team, a move GM Ruben Amaro Jr. views as the groundwork for a long-term contract rather than a short-term solution."

Phils agree to one-year, $15M deal with Hamels

January 17

CSN Philly

"The Phillies have avoided arbitration with Cole Hamels, agreeing to a one-year, $15 million deal with the veteran left-hander, and infielder Wilson Valdez. Hamels went 14-9 with a 2.79 ERA last season, when he earned $9.5 million. In six major league seasons, the two-time all-star is 74-54 with a 3.39 ERA and 10 complete games."

Report: Rockies offer Moyer contract

January 17

CSN Philly

"Troy Renck of the Denver Post (via MLB Trade Rumors) has reported that the Rockies have offered former Phillie Jamie Moyer a minor league contract and an invitation to their major league spring training camp. Signing the contract would give the the 49-year-old lefthander an opportunity to share his wisdom with a youthful rotation and perhaps work his way back to the majors. Prior to signing with Colorado, Moyer spent the last four years of his career in Philadelphia, winning a World Series with the team in 2008."

Rockies trade Smith to Oakland for two pitchers; offer deal to Jamie Moyer

January 17

Denver Post

"Seth Smith spent the winter in wonderland. On Monday, the questions and uncertainty ended. With the outfielder viewed as a luxury item after the signing of free agent Michael Cuddyer, the Rockies traded Smith to the Oakland Athletics for right-hander Guillermo Moscoso and left-hander Josh Outman?. The Rockies are also closing in on signing 49-year-old starter Jamie Moyer to a minor-league deal, while continuing to explore trades for a second baseman. Smith joins a battery of players jettisoned this winter — Huston Street, Ty Wigginton, Chris Iannetta and Ian Stewart — as the Rockies continue to add pitchers and deliberately change the clubhouse mix."

Arbitration process about to heat up for Phils

January 16

CSN Philly

"The baseball calendar continues to chug toward the new season. It's mid-January now. Prince Fielder is still out there, but for the most part the shelves of the free-agent market have been thinned. Spring training begins in just over a month. The next big item on the baseball calendar is salary arbitration. The process heats up this week when teams and arbitration-eligible players exchange potential salary figures on Tuesday."

Amaro, Phils face tough questions

January 16

Courier-Post

"It's hard to put a caption on 2011 for the Phillies, who enjoyed immense success in winning 102 games in the regular season but were sent packing far too early in October when the Cardinals squeaked by them on their way to a championship. But the paradox that was 2011 is now in the rear-view mirror, and while Ruben Amaro Jr. has largely put the finishing touches on the new incarnation of the team, 2012 still brings with it some significant questions."

Phils ink RHP Pineiro to minor-league deal

January 16

CSN Philly

"The Phillies have signed veteran righthander Joel Pineiro to a minor-league contract and invited him to big-league spring training camp, a baseball source said Sunday. The deal was first reported by ESPN.com Pineiro, 33, is 104-93 with a 4.41 ERA in 12 big-league seasons. He was 7-7 with a 5.13 ERA in 27 games, 24 starts, with the Los Angeles Angels last season."

Kendrick gets pay hike

January 14

Courier-Post

"The Phillies avoided arbitration with right-hander Kyle Kendrick, agreeing to a one-year, $3.585 million deal Friday. Kendrick worked as a swing man last season, making 15 starts and 19 appearances out of the bullpen en route to what may have been his best all-around year. Kendrick was 8-6 on the season and posted a career-best 3.22 ERA and was a vital piece of the puzzle for a rotation that lost Roy Oswalt and Joe Blanton at various points throughout the season. While Kendrick has made it known he wants to stay in the rotation, he's currently penciled into another season as the long-man out of the pen thanks to Blanton's recovery from elbow problems and the emergence of Vance Worley."

Phils agree to one-year deal with Kendrick

January 14

CSN Philly

"The Phillies on Friday agreed to a one-year, $3.585 million contract with Kyle Kendrick to avoid arbitration. In a career-high 34 games last season, including 15 starts, the 27-year-old Kendrick went 8-6 with a career-best 3.22 ERA, while earning $2.45 million. In addition to 15 starts, Kendrick also appeared in 19 relief appearances."

Could Francisco Cordero make sense for Phils?

January 13

CSN Philly

"With Ryan Madson in Cincinnati, Francisco Cordero remains the only healthy, available closer in a market that opened the winter with 13 savers looking for 15 jobs. The 36-year-old Cordero manned the ninth inning for the Reds from 2008-11, saving 38 games per season with a 2.96 ERA. His WHIP with Cincy was a mediocre 1.30 and his ratio of strikeouts-per-nine (7.6) to walks-per-nine (4.1) wasn't close to the level of a Madson or Jonathan Papelbon, but Cordero is a solid short-term reliever who could get a look from the Phillies, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports."

Romero, drug-makers settle over 2009 ban

January 13

CSN Philly

"Three years after filing a suit against the makers of the supplement that caused him to fail a drug test and sit through a 50-game suspension, J.C. Romero has reached a settlement, according to the New York Daily News. "Justice is served," Romero told the Daily News. "I didn't cheat. Some other people were being negligent and I had to pay the price." Romero sat out the first 50 games of the 2009 season after playing an integral role in the Phillies' 2008 World Series title. Romero barely pitched in '09 and wasn't the same in 2010 or 2011, when his career-long control problems simply became too much for the Phils to overlook."

Roy Oswalt on Rangers' radar; Ryan optimistic Darvish will sign

January 13

Dallas Morning News

"The Rangers could add two more starting pitchers. As what team president Nolan Ryan labeled promising negotiations with Japanese righthander Yu Darvish continue, the Rangers have also made inquiries about veteran right-hander Roy Oswalt, according to a major league official. Bob Garber, who represents Oswalt, declined to comment Thursday. Garber was attending the Rangers awards show at the Arlington Convention Center. Another client, outfielder Craig Gentry, received the Rangers rookie-of-the-year award."

Ryan Madson deal: Agent, GM at odds

January 12

ESPN.com

"Less than a day after reliever Ryan Madson agreed to a one-year, $8.5 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds, agent Scott Boras and Philadelphia Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. sharply disagreed on the chain of events that led to Madson's departure from Philadelphia this winter. In early November, the Phillies were reportedly closing in on a four-year, $44 million contract with Madson when talks quickly and mysteriously unraveled. Within days, the Phillies signed former Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon to a four-year, $50 million deal. Madson agreed to the one-year deal with the Reds on Tuesday, according to a source. Although Boras and Amaro refrained from inflammatory"