Angels Make Ryan Madson Signing Offical

Ryan Madson is officially an Angel, and when he’s healthy enough, will be the team’s closer. Will he be the closer come opening day? Probably not, however the team can use Ernesto Frieri until Madson is good and healthy enough to come back and help a bullpen that blew 22 saves last season, which tied for the most in the American League.

September 26, 2011; Atlanta, GA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Ryan Madson (46) delivers a pitch against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning at Turner Field. The Phillies defeated the Braves 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-US PRESSWIRE

Madson signed a one year deal worth $3.5 million with incentives in the contract that can double the value to $7 million. This brings the Angels payroll to between $96 and $100 million.Madson will get $2.5 million bonus for time spent on the active roster and another $1 million bonus depending on the amount of games he ends up finishing.Madson has one full year of closer experience, saving 32 games for the Phillies back in 2011. He will turn 33 late in the season and is from Long Beach.

It’s a win-win for both sides and if things work out for both, Madson will make $7 million. The Angels get a closer for relatively cheap and Madson gets a one year, showcase deal, that could lead to a big pay-day come free agency 2013. He’s a much cheaper option than Rafael Soriano and may end up being just as effective for the team. The Angels still keep some flexibility to sign that Zack Greinke fellow or two starting pitchers to replace him if he goes elsewhere.

Let’s see what other moves the Angels have as we head towards the Winter Meetings.