[Strikeout King]

If any doubt remained about the Reds' intentions for the 2012 season, it disappeared this evening -- they're going for it. GM Walt Jocketty continued adding to his new-look pitching staff by agreeing to terms with Ryan Madson on a one-year deal, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports (on Twitter). Scott Boras represents the right-hander, who figures to become the closer in Cincinnati's bullpen.

Madson posted a 2.37 ERA with 9.2 K/9, 2.4 BB/9 and a 48.8% ground ball rate in 60 2/3 innings for the Phillies in 2011. The 31-year-old saved 32 games in his first full season as a closer.

The Reds don't have to surrender a draft pick to sign Madson, but the Phillies will obtain two picks this June because they offered arbitration after the season. One selection will come before the Reds' first round pick and the other will come in the supplementary first round.

Madson could cash in next offseason if he repeats his 2011 performance in Cincinnati. He appeared to be close to signing a $44MM contract with the Phillies early in the offseason, but talks fell through and Jonathan Papelbon signed in Philadelphia, leaving Madson in a market that has been relatively unfriendly to relievers.

Francisco Cordero had been talking with the Reds throughout the offseason, but it seems unlikely that he'll return to Cincinnati at this point. Kerry Wood also loses a potential suitor.

Right-handers Nick Masset, Logan Ondrusek, Jose Arredondo, Sam LeCure and Andrew Brackman figure to join Madson in the Reds' bullpen mix in 2012. The Reds also have an impressive trio of left-handers: Sean Marshall, Bill Bray and Aroldis Chapman.

Jocketty has now addressed most of his offseason needs. He can focus on finding a left fielder to complement Chris Heisey and consider an extension for Brandon Phillips.

Last week 17.7% of 13,700 MLBTR readers said they expect Madson to sign with the Reds. He ranked 14th on MLBTR's list of top free agents entering the offseason.





http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/01/re...dson-.html