After the sudden departure of Jonathan Papelbon, the Boston Red Sox could look to Heath Bell or Ryan Madson to fill their closer opening, according to a report from Danny Knobler of CBS Sports.
Papelbon reportedly signed with the Philadelphia Phillies today, accepting a deal that is expected to pay him close to $50 million over four years.
Knobler tweeted that the Red Sox "will be in on" both Bell and Madson, and that the team is "not committed to Daniel Bard as closer yet." Bard finished last year 2-9 with a 3.33 ERA in his role as Papelbon's set-up man.
Bell, who already revealed interest in joining the Red Sox, has notched at least 42 saves in each of the last three seasons. He finished the 2011 season with a 3-4 record, posting 43 saves and a 2.44 ERA.
Madson, who was rumored to be returning to Philadelphia on Monday before the Phillies signed Papelbon, was 2-4 in 2011 with 46 saves and a 2.37 ERA.
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