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Report: Mets, K-Rod Reach Deal

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The Associated Press

Published: December 10, 2008

LAS VEGAS - Record-setting closer Francisco Rodriguez and the New York Mets reached a preliminary agreement Tuesday on a $37 million, three-year contract.

The sides still have to work out a written agreement and the pitcher must pass a physical, two people familiar with the negotiations said Tuesday. They spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the contract had not been completed.

K-Rod recorded 62 saves for the Los Angeles Angels this season, five more than the previous big-league mark set by Bobby Thigpen of the Chicago White Sox in 1990, and then filed for free agency. His agent, Paul Kinzer, had hoped to get a five-year contract, possibly equaling the $15 million average salary Mariano Rivera is earning from the New York Yankees.

But with baseball executives worried about the national recession, Kinzer accepted a more modest deal.

A three-time All-Star who turns 27 next month, Rodriguez was regarded as the top closer on the market.

BREWERS: Infielder Mike Lamb agreed to a one-year contract, setting up a potential platoon with Bill Hall at third base next season.

Lamb began last season in Minnesota, but was waived and signed with Milwaukee on Sept. 5. He hit .273 in 11 games for the Brewers.

DODGERS: The team reached agreements with free-agent infielders Casey Blake and Mark Loretta.

Blake got a three-year, $17.5 million contract to stay in Los Angeles and Loretta, who spent the past two seasons with the Astros, received a one-year deal pending a physical, according to The Associated Press.

INDIANS: The team is nearing a deal with free-agent closer Kerry Wood.

The Indians have offered the former Cubs reliever a two-year deal, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the sides are still working through details.

PHILLIES: The team has picked up the option for 2010 on Manager Charlie Manuel's contract and added a guaranteed year for 2011.

General Manager Ruben Amaro rewarded Manuel for leading the Phillies to the NL East title and their first championship since 1980. Manuel also led the Phillies to the division title in 2007.

RED SOX: The team will keep its spring training home in the Fort Myers area for 30 more years after Lee County commissioners narrowly approved the lease.

The Red Sox will pay Lee County $500,000 per year in rent, compared to the $300,000 the team pays at the City of Palms Park. Commissioners approved it 3-2.

ORIOLES-REDS TRADE: Baltimore traded catcher Ramon Hernandez to Cincinnati for outfielder Ryan Freel and a pair of minor-leaguers.

The rebuilding Orioles also got minor-league infielders Justin Turner and Brandon Waring. As part of the deal, Baltimore will give Cincinnati cash to offset part of Hernandez's contract. He is owed $8.5 million next year.

KUBEK HONORED: Tony Kubek, an All-Star shortstop who became a fixture on NBC's "Game of the Week" telecasts for more than two decades, was honored with the Hall of Fame's Ford C. Frick Award.

The award is presented annually for major contributions to baseball broadcasting. Kubek, 73, will be honored July 26 during the Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Cooperstown, N.Y.

After retiring following a nine-year playing career, Kubek worked for NBC, the Toronto Blue Jays and the Yankees for 30 years. He was at the microphone for 11 World Series, 14 AL championship series and 10 All-Star Games.

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