Ryan Madson in the Phillies appeared close to a massive four-year, $44 million deal this week, though reports later indicated that those talks had stalled.
If that deal were to be made, it may have been a bad sign for the Red Sox if they wanted to retain Jonathan Papelbon, who has more experience and success as a closer than Madson.
If Papelbon does get an offer he can't refuse from another team, the Red Sox also have Daniel Bard who could possibly step into the role. There's also free agent Heath Bell, who said he's open to pitching in Boston.
