Reds make Madson deal official: The Reds and RP Ryan Madson finalized their one-year deal on Friday. The deal includes a mutual option for 2013. Madson had a breakout season in 2011 -- his first as a full-time closer -- recording 32 saves with a 2.37 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 62 appearances for the Phillies. (Updated 01/20/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 2/12/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Madson replaces Francisco Cordero at the back end of the Reds bullpen. His performance last year was enough to rate him among the top relievers in Fantasy, and he should still get plenty of save opportunities for an expected contender in Cincinnati. Expect Madson to go off the boards in the middle rounds in standard mixed leagues. (Updated 01/20/2012).
02/01/2012 11:35 2012 Fantasy outlooks: Cincinnati Reds
The Reds rebuilt a significant portion of their roster in the hopes of winning now. Our Al Melchior breaks down Cincinnati's Fantasy options for owners to consider on Draft Day.
01/26/2012 11:36 Power Rankings: Fielder's Tigers send Hot Stove Season out in style
With the Hot Stove snuffed by the Tigers' signing of Prince Fielder, how do we keep warm? Spring training works. Or the midwinter Power Rankings, where Larry Dobrow explains why Detroit still Fielder-sized holes.
Ryan Madson enjoyed the finest campaign of his career last season as he got the chance to close full time due to an injury to Brad Lidge. He earned his first save on April 22 and converted each of his first 14 chances. A comebacker on his right hand landed him on the shelf in mid-June but he returned a month later and did not skip a beat. The right-hander finished the year with 32 saves in 34 chances and posted a 2.37 ERA over 62 appearances. He struck out 62 in 60 2/3 innings while walking just 16. Madson signed with the Reds in the offseason and will continue to pitch the ninth inning. While Cincinnati probably won't win as many games as the Phillies, there should be a lot of close contests, giving the 31-year-old ample chances for saves. He has already proved he can pitch in hitter-friendly parks so consider Madson a Top 15 Fantasy RP on Draft Day. (Updated 1/25/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
= probable start