BY SCOTT LAUBERWorking to pin down a report that surfaced within the last 30 minutes: Team officials are mum because Ryan Madson still must take a physical, but the Phillies and Madson are on the verge of finalizing a three-year, $12 million contract extension. The deal would cover Madson's last arbitration season and two free-agent years, and it's identical to the length and value of the contract the Phils gave J.C. Romero before last season.
Over the past three years, I've come to know a few things about Madson. One, he likes Philadelphia. He resides in South Jersey year-round with his wife, Sarah, and their three children (their daughter, Ella Marie, is 3, and twin boys, Luke and Ryan, just turned 2). I've also talked to Madson a little bit about financial security. Over the past few years, he has dealt with arm injuries, which have made him realize how capricious a major-league career can be. After allowing one run in 14-1/3 innings over his last 14 appearances as the setup man in the NL's best bullpen, Madson's value has never been higher. So, although Boras has a reputation for steering his clients into free agency, it's hardly surprising that Madson would authorize him to strike now and get a multiyear deal.
More on this throughout the day.
(Updated, 3:13 p.m.): Team officials still aren't talking, but one source has confirmed for us that Madson's three-year contract extension will be announced as soon as he takes his physical. That may be as soon as this evening.
(Updated, 4:06 p.m.): According to another source, the Phillies won't have any official announcements, regarding Madson or anything else, today. But Madson will be attending a media luncheon tomorrow at Citizens Bank Park, so the deal likely will be made official at that time.
That said, we'll have full coverage in Tuesday's News Journal and at www.delawareonline.com/phillies.
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