Ryan Madson might not be ready for Opening Day

 

        Ryan Madson, recovering from Tommy John surgery, suffered a setback during a February bullpen session and is "doubtful" for opening day, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reported Monday.

       Madson, 32, suffered a torn UCL in late Feburary last season and didn't appear in a single game for the Reds. He underwent Tommy John surgery on April 11 and was on track to return sometime between opening day and mid-April 2013. Although Madson said such setbacks are often normal for those rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, he's still disappointed and called his chances of returning for the opener "very doubtful."

      Madson nearly had a four-year, $44 million deal with the Phillies before the 2012 season, but talks unraveled and he was forced to take a one-year, $8.5 million deal with Cincinnati. After missing the entire 2012 season, he signed an incentive-laden $3.5 million deal to pitch for the Angels in 2013.(CBS)

I don't feel like this is a bad thing because we have depth in the bullpen this year. Also having Frieri to close games at the beginning of the season is not a bad option. I'm very positive that Madson will be pitching this season but I do understand that he will have some tough games at the beginning but overall he will be fine. However, if not he could always be a setup man for Frieri.


Also on a side note I have heard that Frieri learn a new pitch which is a change up. This is a very good pitch for him because he has a very nice fastball and what better pitch then a change up to balance it out.

2013 Off Season Bullpen Wish List

Joakim Soria became a free agent when Royals decline his 2013 option. Soria missed 2012 season after Tommy John surgery.(ESPN)



 

Reasons Why he will be a good fit

• He is 28 years old
• Has been a proven closer with 143 games safe under his belt (7th highest from 08-11). (ESPN)
• He has a career record 13-15 with a 2.40ERA with 341 Ks in 315 1/3 inning. (ESPN)
• Angels could probably buy low and could get very good results as a closer or set up man

 

 Jonathan Broxton pitched 2012 for the Royals and Reds. He was a free agent last year and the KC took a chance on him and got a really good pitcher. He signed a one year $4 million deal with KC and how is a free agent again.

 

Reasons Why he will be a good fit

• He is 28 years old (ESPN)
• Proven closer and he also was a good set up man for Chapman with the Reds. (ESPN)
• Collected 27 saves 10 holds just 6 blown saves and a 2.48ERA. (ESPN)
• He might be a little more money but still should not be getting a big contract



 

Ryan  Madson did not pitch at all in 2012 due to Tommy John surgery after signing a one-year, $8.5MM deal with the Reds last winter. Madson declined his half of a mutual option for 2013, reports Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. The option was worth $11MM, and he'll instead receive a $2.5MM buyout. (MLB Trade Rumor)



Reasons Why he will be a good fit

• He is 32 years old
• From 2009-2011 he pitched to a 2.78 ERA with 9.6 K/9 and 2.4 BB/9. (MLB Trade Rumor)
• He is a proven back end pitcher and closer. He will be looking to close this season and he will  probably be looking for a 3-4 year deal similar deal as Brandon League sign with the Dodgers. (MLB Trade Rumor)

Please feel free to comment Let me know what you think.