Two general managers with interest in Abreu said Tuesday that they were told he was headed to an American League team, and a source with knowledge of the discussions indicated that a deal with the Angels is near.

The Mariners, the other AL club with interest in Abreu, are believed to be more focused on two other left-handed hitting free agents, Ken Griffey Jr. and Garrett Anderson.

Meanwhile, the Angels have asked outright waivers on right-hander Nick Green to create a spot on their 40-man roster, according to a major-league source.

That roster currently is full, so the Angels could be trying to create a spot for a free-agent hitter. They prefer Abreu to Adam Dunn, another source said.

Asked about Abreu and Dunn on Friday, Angels general manager Tony Reagins told FOXSports.com that he was trying to improve the club "if something makes sense."

Abreu, who turns 35 on March 11, would replace Anderson, joining an outfield/DH mix that includes Juan Rivera in left, Torii Hunter in center and Vladimir Guerrero in right.

Gary Matthews Jr., another candidate for the rotation, is coming off surgery in late October to repair the patella tendon in his left knee.

The original prognosis on Matthews was that he would miss four to six months. He is ahead of schedule but proceeding with caution, according to a source with knowledge of his situation.

The Angels were short a hitter before they acquired first baseman Mark Teixeira last July. But since losing Teixeira to the Yankees, their only move with the offense has been to re-sign Rivera, a much lesser hitter.

Reagins had repeatedly ruled out signing free-agent outfielder Manny Ramirez, but was more open-minded when asked last weekend about Abreu and Dunn.

"I would say we'll continue to look at different ways to improve the club," Reagins said. "If something makes sense for us, we'd look at it. We'd have to see what the parameters are, how that player fits."

Abreu could fit just fine.

New York Yankees News News » Sources: Angels make room, possibly for Abreu
Sources: Angels make room, possibly for Abreu
The match would be perfect. The Angels need an accomplished hitter. Bobby Abreu needs a job. Each party's wish is getting closer. MLB Hot Stove