Ryan Madsonis generating significant interest on the free-agent market, according to agent Scott Boras.
Hes receiving a lot of interest, including from a couple of teams we didnt know were looking for a closer, Boras said Saturday.
Madson saved 32 games and had a 2.37 ERA in 62 games for the Phillies in 2011. General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. is trying to re-sign the righthander. If he fails, he has said he will have to shop for an established closer on the free-agent market. Madson is one of the top options out there.
Weve begun conversations, Boras said. Were having good dialogue with the Phillies. I think Philadelphia is a place hes comfortable with. Its a good team. A great place to play. They are a strong candidate on his list.
Boras would not say what other teams were interested in Madson, who turned 31 in August.
There are multiple clubs, he said. Ryan is a top-notch closer. Hes not only a pitcher with velocity but he fills out the scouting card. He throws 95 with a great changeup and slider. Hes a three-pitch guy, not just a velo guy.
Boras would not say if the Phillies had made an offer to his client. Other than to say he wants Madson back, Amaro will not comment on negotiations with Madson, or any free agent.
MLB
The Phillies have an unwritten policy against giving contracts of more than three years to pitchers. Of course, they relaxed that policy to sign Cliff Lee last winter. Madson has a 2.89 ERA over the last five seasons. It would seem likely that some team would consider giving him a deal of more than three years. Boras was asked if he sensed whether the Phillies would go more than three years for Madson.
I really dont want to talk specifics of negotiations, he said. But I think clubs understand they have to compete, so a policy like that surrounds the value of the player. They gave Cliff Lee a five-year contract at age 32 last year and that turned out to be a good decision. I think Ruben Amaro has had a good run in decision-making. Hunter Pence and Cliff Lee were very solid moves on his part.
Boras wasnt sure how long it would take for his client to sign.
Any player that gets a fair deal will move on it, Boras said. Timing doesnt matter.
Boras is the games most aggressive agent and hes known for getting his players huge deals. A year ago, he helped Jayson Werth land a 126 million contract with Washington. Some observers of Madsons free-agency have said the pitcher would not have retained Boras if he was really interested in making a deal with the Phillies. That observation does not hold water. Madson has been with Boras since he was drafted in 1998 and three years ago opted for the security of a three-year, 12 million deal instead of waiting for free agency a year later. Madson will be expensive and widely sought after, but the Phils have as good a chance to sign him as any team.
Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com