Phillies complete deal with Papelbon

PHILADELPHIA (AP) ? Jonathan Papelbon and the Philadelphia Phillies have completed a $50 million, four-year contract .

The former Boston Red Sox closer receives the largest contract ever for a reliever. He replaces Ryan Madson, who is also a free agent.

Papelbon turns 31 on Nov. 23. He had 219 saves over seven seasons with the Red Sox, including 31 this year, when he made $12 million. His contract includes a vesting option for 2016 that could become guaranteed based on games finished and would make the deal worth $63 million over five seasons.

The Phillies will introduce Papelbon at a news conference Monday night.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/347875155d53465d95cec892aeb06419/Article_2011-11-14-Phillies-Papelbon/id-c3270d121c7147caaf349e85611606c3

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