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The Cincinnati Reds
lost two key players from last season. Slugger Ryan Ludwick (pictured
at left) and relief pitcher Ryan Madson will not be returning to the
Reds roster in 2013.
The Bleacher Report
Reds lose two
valuable assets
The Cincinnati Reds lost two valuable assets to their team Wednesday,
as outfielder Ryan Ludwick and relief pitcher Ryan Madson chose to
decline their 2013 club options and venture into free agency.
Madson signed a one-year deal worth $8.5 million last offseason but
missed the entire 2012 season after suffering a torn ligament in his
right elbow that led to Tommy John surgery.
For turning down the option, Madson received a $2.5 million buyout from
the Reds.
The 32-year-old was signed with the intention of being the Reds' closer
for the year, but after he went down, the team eventually turned to
Aroldis Chapman, who gave us one of the most memorable seasons ever by
a relief pitcher.
Because of the numbers Chapman put up, it was apparent that Madson had
no chance of being named the team's closer next season, so he decided
to seek out a team who could use him in that position.
His 2011 campaign, which consisted of him saving 32 games in 34
opportunities while posting a 2.37 ERA, should help him find a home
rather quickly.
Ryan Ludwick, on the other hand, played a lot this season—and played
very well at that, as his huge second half helped propel the Reds to
the NL Central crown.
On the year, he batted. 275 with 26 HR and 80 RBI.
Any team would absolutely love to have a player with the potential for
those numbers in their lineup, and Ludwick realized that.
The 34-year-old declined his half of the mutual option even though
Cincinnati expressed interest in bringing him back for next season. By
doing that he received $500,000 and now has the opportunity to test the
free-agent waters once again.
Earning $2 million in 2012, Ludwick could easily double, triple or even
receive four times that amount and beyond thanks to his offensive
showing. Even though the Reds got bounced in the NLDS, his .333 average
and three homers in their five-game series against the Giants could
potentially earn him some more money, as well.
Read the rest of the article at The Bleacher Report
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