Ryan Madson Back to Phillies: Waiting for Monty? Or, "Let's Make a Deal."

Despite multiple reports that the Phillies and relief pitcher Ryan Madson had agreed to a four year contract worth approximately $44 million, nothing confirming that the deal was complete had been issued (credibly, at least).

Do we have a reason for the delay now? According to Jon Heyman at SI.com, the deal is pending approval from Phillies President David Montgomery, and has been for over a day now.

This may be nothing more than Monty being incommunicado; maybe he's rafting down the Colorado River and doesn't have cellphone reception (ha), or maybe it's something else -- a decree from upstairs putting the brakes on some of GM Ruben Amaro's, shall we say, "impulses," likely in the name of limiting the length of contracts to pitchers.  Or maybe Monty hates the proposal.  We don't know.

In any event, the front office machinery needs to get its act together if they want that "veteran closer" because I certainly don't think Jonathan Papelbon is going to come to the Phillies for fewer than four years, and Heath Bell is just, well. Heathy.

I like Ryan Madson a whole, whole lot.  I think four years, $44 million is too much for too long but not by shocking amounts, and I'd rather give him the money to him than most anyone else.  But this is what the Cult of the Closer hath wrought.  Mr. LaRussa laughs at us from his Barcalounger.

A short play in one act, from our own joecatz, after the jump...

"Ill-Considered" - A One-Scene Vignette from joecatz

Son: but Dad!

Dad: Take it back to the store!

Son: but it was only…

Dad: I said no.

Son: But

Dad: No buts.

Son: I told..

Dad: and I TOLD YOU how much. It’s not my problem you can’t listen.

Son: Please?

Dad: no. You’ll thank when your older

Son: I HATE YOU

Dad: I’ll get over it.