Post by Fish Troll on Oct 2, 2008 22:24:52 GMT -5
CHICAGO -- Record-breaking Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez is seeking at least $75 million over five years, agent Paul Kinzer said Wednesday. K-Rod wants "at least" five years at "Mariano money," according to Kinzer, who called that price the "baseline" to get into the ballgame for the All-Star closer who set the single-season saves record this season. Kinzer made clear, however, that his client was hoping for even more. The agent declined to name a top target price.
Kinzer also declined to react to rumors that K-Rod will look for as much as $20 million a year. And why should he? Why set a maximum after the year K-Rod produced?
The Angels are expected to be joined in the derby by the Mets, who presumably have lost closer Billy Wagner for 2009 with an elbow injury that necessitated Tommy John surgery. Several other teams have been mentioned as being interested, including the Cardinals and Indians. But the steep price may limit the serious suitors to big-market teams. Some baseball people believe K-Rod more easily envisions himself in a big city, anyway.
Kinzer also declined to react to rumors that K-Rod will look for as much as $20 million a year. And why should he? Why set a maximum after the year K-Rod produced?
The Angels are expected to be joined in the derby by the Mets, who presumably have lost closer Billy Wagner for 2009 with an elbow injury that necessitated Tommy John surgery. Several other teams have been mentioned as being interested, including the Cardinals and Indians. But the steep price may limit the serious suitors to big-market teams. Some baseball people believe K-Rod more easily envisions himself in a big city, anyway.
sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/baseball/mlb/10/02/krod.contract/index.html
