Angels sign closer Brian Fuentes
Angels, Fuentes agree to deal
LOS ANGELES -- Reliever Brian Fuentes and the Los Angeles Angels reached agreement on a $17.5 million, two-year contract Wednesday, likely giving the AL West champions a replacement for record-setting closer Francisco Rodriguez.
Fuentes will earn $8.5 million for 2009 and $9 million for 2010. The contract includes a $9 million vesting option for 2011, based on games finished, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney.
"He should solidify the back part of our bullpen," Angels general manager Tony Reagins said on a conference call. "We pitched well last year, we expect to pitch well again."
The 33-year-old Fuentes was a three-time National League All-Star. The lefty was 1-5 with 30 saves in 34 chances and a 2.73 ERA for Colorado this season and then became a free agent. He struck out 82 in 62 2/3 innings.
"I'm definitely happy to have the opportunity to play for a team that I've watched for a long time," said Fuentes, who grew up in Merced, Calif., and still lives there. "My 2-year-old's excited. He can't wait to go to Disneyland."
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LOS ANGELES -- Reliever Brian Fuentes and the Los Angeles Angels reached agreement on a $17.5 million, two-year contract Wednesday, likely giving the AL West champions a replacement for record-setting closer Francisco Rodriguez.
Fuentes will earn $8.5 million for 2009 and $9 million for 2010. The contract includes a $9 million vesting option for 2011, based on games finished, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney.
"He should solidify the back part of our bullpen," Angels general manager Tony Reagins said on a conference call. "We pitched well last year, we expect to pitch well again."
The 33-year-old Fuentes was a three-time National League All-Star. The lefty was 1-5 with 30 saves in 34 chances and a 2.73 ERA for Colorado this season and then became a free agent. He struck out 82 in 62 2/3 innings.
"I'm definitely happy to have the opportunity to play for a team that I've watched for a long time," said Fuentes, who grew up in Merced, Calif., and still lives there. "My 2-year-old's excited. He can't wait to go to Disneyland."
More here
x-posted