Manager Mike Scioscia said Francisco Rodriguez "is as good a closer as there is in the game," but the Angels made virtually no attempt this winter to retain the right-hander, who on Tuesday agreed to a three-year, $37-million deal with the New York Mets.
Rodriguez, 26, burst onto the scene in September 2002, a precocious 20-year-old whose electric arm helped key the Angels' World Series run. Six years, 208 saves and numerous contract offers later, Rodriguez is gone, leaving a record-setting 62-save season in his wake. "Our priorities change from month to month, year to year, and there are some important things that I know Tony [Reagins, general manager] needs the flexibility to pursue," Scioscia said, alluding to the Angels' attempts to retain first baseman Mark Teixeira. "As much as we'd love to have him, it's something that's not going to happen. He's going to do a great job for the Mets."
Owner Arte Moreno said the Angels made as many as six contract offers to Rodriguez over the years, the last one for three years and $34 million in November 2007.
Rodriguez, believing his value was more in line with the three-year, $45-million deal Yankees closer Mariano Rivera signed that month, rejected the offer.
Rodriguez was hoping to parlay his record-setting season into a five-year, $75-million deal, but with a glut of closers available and only one big-market team in the hunt for one, Rodriguez's market was severely depressed this winter.
His deal reportedly includes a fourth-year option that can vest based on performance, but the guaranteed amount was only $3 million more than what the Angels offered a year ago.
"Frankie did a lot of important things for this organization; I wish him and his family well," Reagins said. "He had a historic season. He did something no other reliever has done. He's a competitor, and you have to appreciate what he's done on the Baseball field."
Scioscia said the Angels wouldn't necessarily enter 2009 with a set closer. Veteran setup man Scot Shields probably will be given the first crack at the job, and right-hander Jose Arredondo, coming off an impressive rookie season, will be considered.
Veteran left-hander Darren Oliver could pitch later in games, and hard-throwing youngster Kevin Jepsen will probably play a more prominent role. The Angels are also talking to the agent for free-agent left-hander Brian Fuentes, who could close.
"If one guy steps up and seizes the role, we can adjust the bullpen accordingly," Scioscia said. ". . . It will be more of a committee look until someone takes off with that role."
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mike.digiovanna@latimes.com
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Closing costs
The highest-paid relief pitchers, by average annual value:
Mariano Rivera, Yankees
$15 million (2008-10)
BRAD LIDGE, Phillies
$12.5 million (2009-11)
Francisco Rodriguez, N.Y. Mets
$12.33 million (2010-12)
JOE NATHAN, Twins
$11.75 million (2008-11)
FRANCISCO CORDERO, Reds
$11.5 million (2008-11)
Los Angeles Times
