Remember how awesome it was when the Cincinnati Reds shocked the off-season baseball world by signing Ryan Madson as their closer? That was pretty cool. You know what would be even cooler? Having Madson actually pitch in a game.

Madson has made no appearances in games so far this Spring Training, thanks to pain he felt in his elbow during his first bullpen throwing session.

“It’s pretty close to 100 percent right now,” Madson said. “I never had any problems like that before, I don’t know what it was. Now we’ve gotten through it and it feels great. Just looking forward to getting in some games and getting my feet wet.”

That’s good news. And when might we get to see him pitch for the first time in a Reds uniform?

“I don’t feel anything right now, and I should be in games by the end of next week. That will give me plenty of time to be ready for the season.”

I look forward to that. Madson is an important part of the Reds’ improved 2012 bullpen.

There are so many stupid captions. Pick your favorite.

• What a fruit!
• Bronson Arroyo shows off his new cell phone.
• Look at the size of that banana!
• It’s yellower than I expected.
• Real grunge rockers need their potassium.

On the one hand, the LEGO man has his feet actually stuck to little pegs on the ground. On the other hand, even a LEGO man could cover left field in Houston.

The Reds have teamed up with the traveling LEGO KidsFest while it comes to town later this month to provide tickets to both the LEGO extravaganza and a Reds game:

Purchase a session ticket for the LEGO KidsFest at Duke Energy Convention Center on March 23-25 and then pick a View Level from one of four Reds games in April or May! Minimum two ticket purchase required.

Both great events for only $25!
A $35 Value

Among the games you can get tickets to is the Astros, so if you have kids above the choking risk age (or, if you are one of those people who make giant LEGO models), you can answer this title question with your own observation.

In case you’d forgotten, Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips will be a free agent after the 2012 season. Phillips has campaigned throughout the off-season for an extension on his twitter account. Today, he spoke briefly to Cincinnati Enquirer beat reporter John Fay, and I mean briefly.

It sounds like the Reds and Brandon Phillips’ agents met to discuss a contract extension Monday.

“I don’t know . . . probably,” Phillips said. “Talk to (Walt) Jocketty.”

I know Phillips isn’t a fan of the proceedings, but I’m happy with how the Reds have been handling the situation. Phillips has tweeted that the Reds won’t get a “homeboy discount.” Given the Reds’ low payroll, devoting elite bucks to Phillips for several years isn’t something the team can do. Phillips is likely past his best years. The Reds have to be smart about how they spend money, and giving Phillips the highest salary of his career when he’s past his likely physical prime is not smart.

I love watching Phillips play, and I hope the team and him can work out something that doesn’t cripple the club. It seems unlikely at this point, so I’ll be sure to enjoy Phillips’ leather and infectious smile this season.