Madson could sign with a division rival

It is difficult to pinpoint the exact reason, but it sure seems like Ryan Madson is a goner. Theres the Scott Boras thing. And the wanting to test the market thing. And the sure to be overpaid thing.

But theres also the fact that from the outside, Madson seems to have the same interests as Jayson Werth. This is his best chance at a large payday, so why not take full advantage of it? Hes already won a World Series. Hes already been a part of a perennial division winner and a 100-win team. Now, why not simply choose the offer that best sets his family up for the next 60 years?

Fans tend to assume that when things are good, an athlete would rather stay in place than take a chance elsewhere. Described as "The Free Agent Loyalty Misconception" yesterday at Brotherly Glove, fans also tend to assume that athletes wont willingly sign with a division rival. But from Madsons perspective, the financial difference between, say, a three-year, 33 million offer from the Phillies and a three-year, 42 million deal from the Nationals or (yes) Marlins could very well provide enough incentive to disregard his brief legacy in Philadelphia.

Jon Heyman of SI.com reported Monday that Werth is trying to sell Madson on the idea of signing with Washington. At first glance, it doesnt compute. The Nationals have a terrific young closer in Drew Storen. But Storen is another five years away from free agency and even after a 43-save season should have no reason to feel entitled to the ninth inning if it hinders his team from improving. Nats GM Mike Rizzo will be concerned with bolstering his bullpen this off-season. And what better way to do so than to solidify the eighth inning with Storen and sign Madson to shut down the ninth?

Elsewhere, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com opined that the Marlins could be in on Madson. The Marlins move into a new stadium with a new manager next season and appear willing to spend more money. Incumbent closer Leo Nunezor should we call him Don Draper?was revealed late in the season to have forged his identity. He is really Juan Carlos Oviedo, and at age 16 he assumed the identity of a friend (named Leo Nunez) because 16-year-old Dominican pitchers were hotter commodities than 17-year-old Dominican pitchers.

No matter what his name is, Nunez was the highest-paid reliever in Marlins history last season at 3.65 million and is a likely non-tender candidate for 2012. The Marlins could fill their hole at closer with Madson. There are other areas to improve, sure, but signing Madson could be the impact move.

No matter where Madson signs, it shouldnt be a surprise if his priorities turn out to be different from the fans'. You would have to believe that if the Phillies step in and offer a three-year, 37.5 million deal like the one Brad Lidge is coming off of, any team would be hard-pressed to compete for his services. But if not, don't expect to see Madson back with the Phillies in 2012. As we have become fully aware of in the last decade, no player signs with Scott Boras to sacrifice finances for loyalty.