Remember that three-year, $34-million offer closer Francisco Rodriguez rejected from the Angels in 2007? It's looking pretty good now.
Rodriguez was hoping to cash in on his major league-record 62-save season with a five-year, $75-million deal, but the free-agent right-hander left the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas on Monday with only one firm offer, from the New York Mets, for a reported two years and $24 million.
"He just broke the saves record, yeah he's disappointed," agent Paul Kinzer said when asked how Rodriguez felt about negotiations. "He's a year late."
Said Rodriguez: "We're open to any discussions with anyone who wants to talk."
The Mets also met with closer Brian Fuentes, and should they sign the left-hander, the market for Rodriguez would shrink even more. The Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers and Milwaukee Brewers need closers, but it's doubtful any will pay $10 million a year.
Rodriguez, who made $10 million last season, turned down an arbitration offer from the Angels. Kinzer said "there is still a possibility" of Rodriguez returning to the Angels, "but they have other priorities, [first baseman] Mark Teixeira and [starter] CC Sabathia. They've been very up front about that."
Loretta signs; is Blake next?
The Dodgers' infield started to take shape as they agreed late Monday night to the terms of a one-year deal with utilityman Mark Loretta and moved closer to re-signing third baseman Casey Blake, according to sources with knowledge of the negotiations.
Loretta, 36, hit .280 with four home runs and 38 runs batted in in 101 games for the Houston Astros. He played every infield position but catcher for the Astros, including 46 games at second base. He figures to be backup for the Dodgers.
The Dodgers are also closing in on Blake, who was offered a three-year contract that would pay him close to $6 million per season. General Manager Ned Colletti confirmed that the Dodgers have made Blake a formal offer but didn't provide specifics.
Colletti said he re-opened talks with Rafael Furcal's agent, but the Dodgers remain firm in their refusal to offer the shortstop a four-year deal.
Saito's status in question
Takashi Saito might be let go by the Dodgers if he doesn't sign a new contract by Friday, which is the deadline to tender contracts to players.
"The last time we needed him to pitch, he couldn't pitch," Colletti said. "Has he become healthy since then? I don't know if I could answer that."
