The Phillies continue to pursue a closer on the free-agent market and indications are they will get one soon.
The question remains: Will it be Ryan Madson or Jonathan Papelbon?
As of early Wednesday evening, it looked as if Papelbon might have surged to the top of the Phillies wish list.
However, the team was still in discussions with Madson.
There were reports Tuesday night that the Phils were close to re-signing Madson to a four-year deal. Contrary to some of those reports, an agreement had never been reached. Sources close to the pitcher say the two sides had many details of a four-year deal worked out when the Phillies came back and said ownership had reservations about the deal.
Sources close to the Phillies say a deal was never imminent.
All the while, the Phils never stopped pursuing Papelbon, and there have been strong indications that progress has been made on that front.
MLB
Madson and Papelbon are both hard-throwing righthanders. Madson turned 31 in August. Papelbon turns 31 later this month. While Madson came into his own as a closer with 32 saves for the Phillies in 2011, Papelbon has had a longer run of success as a closer, averaging 36 saves for the Boston Red Sox over the last six seasons.
Papelbon was 4-1 with 31 saves and a 2.94 ERA in 2011. He struck out 87 and allowed just 50 hits and 10 walks (one intentional) in 64 13 innings.
Madson was 4-2 with a 2.37 ERA in 2011. He struck out 62 and allowed 54 hits and 16 walks (eight intentional) in 60 23 innings.
One of these guys will likely be the Phillies closer in 2012 and beyond. Stay tuned.
E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com.