Phillies, Madson Agree To Contract

According to multiple sources, including Sports Illustrated's Jon Heyman, the Phillies and Ryan Madson have agreed to a four-year, $44 million deal with the club.

According to USA Today, only four relief pitchers in baseball history have been handed this much guaranteed money in one contract:

B.J. Ryan: five-year, $47 million deal from Toronto in 2006

Mariano Rivera: three-year, $45 million deal to remain a Yankee in 2008

Joe Nathan: four-year, $47 million deal with Minnesota in 2008

Francisco Cordero: four-year, $46 million deal with Cincinnati in 2008

Was Madson worth this kind of money? Do you believe in him to be an effective closer for the next four seasons? Does his lack of track record as an established closer worry you?