Philadelphia Phillies: The Pursuit of a Closer in MLB Free Agency

Over the past decade, the Philadelphia Phillies’ front office has reached into its proverbial bag of tricks to get a reliable arm on the mound to close out victories for the team. Except for the perfect season by Brad Lidge in 2008, the success of Philadelphia’s ninth-inning man has hung over the team as a question mark that occasionally is answered by failure.

The ballclub has traveled down every conceivable path only to post a remarkable track record of inconsistency. Fans have seen free agents plugged into the slot, a slew of washed-up veterans take the hill, and unknown prospects have their number called throughout the endless search for a permanent solution.

With a vacancy at the back end of the bullpen that needs to be filled and a management group that finally seems willing to open the checkbook to do so, this offseason may define the relief staff for the remainder of the Phillies’ championship window. But like many crucial personnel decisions faced over the winter by teams around the league, the answer won’t come without extensive deliberation.

Unfortunately for Philadelphia, controversy is beginning to overshadow an exciting search for a bullpen stopper.

It was widely reported in the middle of the week that Ryan Madson, career Phillie and successful 2011 closer, had reached an agreement on a four-year, $44 million contract that would pay him until he hits age 35. However, the talks have seemed to stall or hit some sort of mysterious hitch that have many believing Philadelphia will turn elsewhere for a reliable closer.

Enter Jonathan Papelbon, reputable Boston flamethrower and potential replacement for Madson, who is a Scott Boras client. Though he is viewed by many as a bit outspoken and controversial, media speculation puts Papelbon in the cross-hairs of the reigning NL East champions.

For the first time since signing both Billy Wagner and Tim Worrell in what feels like a lifetime ago for Phillies fans, it appears ready to shell out the cash to land a marquee closer. As the situation unfolds, Philadelphia is reported to be in talks with both top-tier finishers, raising an interesting debate concerning the direction of the franchise.

Madson or Papelbon? More importantly, should the team repay loyalty after one solid season or bring in the more feared pitcher despite his emotional baggage?

In a situation very similar to the loyalty check that Jimmy Rollins would need to return in 2012, the Phillies have a difficult decision to make on a player that has worn the red pinstripes for his entire career. Unfortunately for the Madson, his success as a closer only extends as far back as one year.

"Mad Dog," as he’s affectionately known in the City of Brotherly Love, filled in for the injured Brad Lidge with near perfection, converting 32 saves in 34 opportunities. While last season was an impressive run for the 31 year-old veteran, what worries the front office may be his entire body of work.

In 2009 and 2010, Madson excelled in the set up role but faltered miserably when placed into a save situation. Over that span, he was credited with a respectable 15 saves, a number that overshadowed his 11 blown opportunities. Several of those were particularly gut-wrenching, seemingly piling up when the team had no other option to which they could turn.

Papelbon’s numbers in 2011 were nearly identical to the Phillies closer, finishing 31 in 34 chances with a sub-3.00 ERA. The largest difference between the two is the consistency that the ex-Red Sox star has shown over the course of his career in the ninth-inning role.

Over the past six seasons, Papelbon has recorded at least 30 saves in each year and only once failed to reach 35 in a single campaign. Though 2011 was his lowest total since becoming the full-time closer, "Pap" is still in the prime of his career and brings emotional electricity to the mound.

It is the same emotion that sometimes gets him into trouble with the media, as he is outspoken during interviews and occasionally flashes a hot temper. On the other hand, Papelbon is no different than many of the eccentric closers around the league that parade around the mound celebrating each pitch.

In what is turning out to be a messy negotiation, the Phillies’ front office may be holding off on the loyalty payment to chase consistency in Papelbon. GM Ruben Amaro Jr. has never shied away from making the big splash in the market and looks poised to sign off on another important acquisition.

Whether the Phillies re-sign Madson, ink Papelbon to a lucrative deal, or select another arm from a populated market, a hefty contract will most likely be offered, leaving the team with one certainty:

When the first save opportunity arises in 2012, an elite talent will trot out looking to put the finishing touches on a victory.