Angels, closer Ryan Madson reach agreement on contract - Los Angeles Times
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Angels, closer Ryan Madson reach agreement on contract

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The Angels have moved to address a weakness that contributed to their falling short of the playoffs, reaching a contract agreement with former Philadelphia Phillies closer Ryan Madson.

Madson, 32, will earn a base salary and could make more in incentives, according to two people familiar with the negotiations. The deal is contingent on Madson’s passing a physical examination. He has undergone that physical and the results should be available Wednesday, the people said.

Madson is a 6-foot-6 right-hander who throws hard and has an excellent changeup. But he is less than eight months removed from Tommy John surgery that kept him sidelined last season.

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Madson had 32 saves for the Phillies in 2011, signed as a free agent with the Cincinnati Reds, but was injured during training camp. His surgery was performed in April by Dr. Lewis Yocum, the Angels’ team physician.

Madson, who attended Valley View High in Moreno Valley, is represented by agent Scott Boras.

Madson has been throwing on flat ground and is expected to resume throwing off a mound in late December or early January. The Angels are hoping Madson will be ready to pitch by spring training. He could be in line to assume closing duties from Ernesto Frieri, who walked 26 batters in 54 1/3 innings last season and had three of the team’s 22 blown saves.

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Those blown saves were a major factor in the Angels’ finishing four games behind the Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles for an American League wild-card playoff spot.

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