Angels.mlb.com
ANAHEIM -- The Angels appear headed for a salary arbitration hearing with Francisco Rodriguez scheduled for Feb. 21. The All-Star closer is expected to be in camp when pitchers and catchers report to Tempe, Ariz., on Feb. 14.
The Angels and Rodriguez are $2.5 million apart. K-Rod, eligible for free agency after the 2008 season, is asking for $12.5 million, while the club has submitted a $10 million proposal. The team has expressed interest in signing the 27-year-old to a long-term extension, but they haven't been able to bridge the gap.
The Yankees' recent three-year, $45 million deal with Mariano Rivera set a new bar for closers.
"As of now," Angels general manager Tony Reagins said, "there is no activity [in the negotiations]. Our [arbitration] date is set if nothing happens."
Rodriguez is the Majors' leading saves artist over the past three seasons with 132, one more than Padres record holder Trevor Hoffman over that span.
K-Rod delivered 40 saves in 2007 after leading the American League with 45 in 2005 and again with 47 in 2006. He has blown only 15 saves in that three-year period, six coming last season when his 2.74 ERA was the highest of his five full Major League seasons.
K-Rod earned his second All-Star berth in 2007, making the trip to San Francisco memorable when he saved the AL's dramatic 5-4 victory by retiring Aaron Rowand with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning at AT&T Park.
Rodriguez has 146 career saves and a 2.25 ERA in 332 games, covering 383 1/3 innings. He launched his career during the 2002 run to the World Series title as Troy Percival's setup man, assuming the closer's role from Percy in 2005.
The Angels avoided arbitration with Casey Kotchman, Maicer Izturis and Juan Rivera, signing each player to a contract for 2008. Third baseman Dallas McPherson was not tendered a contract and became a free agent.
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Francisco Rodriguez is a good closer. I would like to see the Angels sign him to a multi year deal.
