Angels sign closer Brian Fuentes
ANGELS
The free agent had a 2.73 ERA and 30 saves with the Colorado Rockies last season.
The Angels, as expected, signed free-agent closer Brian Fuentes today to a two-year 17.5-million contract with a club option for the 2011 season that could bring the total to $26.5 million.
The left-hander will make $8.5 million next season and $9 million in 2010. A $9-million club option for 2011 vests if Fuentes finishes 55 games in 2010.
Fuentes, 33, went 1-5 with a 2.73 earned-run average and 30 saves in 62 2/3 innings for the Colorado Rockies last season, allowing 47 hits, striking out 82 and walking 22. He converted 17 straight save opportunities to end the season.
A three-time All-Star, Fuentes has a 17-27 career record with 115 saves and a 3.41 ERA in seven years. He gives the Angels a solid replacement for closer Francisco Rodriguez, who signed a three-year, $37-million deal with the New York Mets.
He also strengthens a bullpen that includes two outstanding setup men, veteran Scot Shields and rookie Jose Arredondo.
Fuentes became a priority for the Angels after the team failed to retain free-agent first baseman Mark Teixeira, who signed an eight-year, $180-million deal with the New York Mets.
mike.digiovanna@latimes.com
