K-Rod plans to file for free agency after season

[P J Shaker]

Francisco Rodriguez might be closing out his career with the Los Angeles Angels.
Saving Ace

Most Saves At All-Star Break*

Pitcher	Saves	Season
Francisco Rodriguez, LAA	38	'08
John Smoltz, ATL	34	'03
Danny Graves, CIN	33	'04
Mariano Rivera, NYY	32	'04
Eric Gagne, LAD	32	'02
*Since 1969 (became official stat)

The major league leader in saves said he plans to file for free agency after the season, the Los Angeles Times reported on Monday. K-Rod added he hadn't ruled out re-signing with the Angels but that he wanted to consider offers from other teams first.

"I'm going to go out there and explore the market," Rodriguez told the newspaper. "They had six years. They didn't get anything done with me.

"If I wait six years, why not wait another two and a half months?"

This news isn't exactly coming out of left field for the Angels as the two sides failed to agree on a long-term deal last winter. Rodriguez said in February that the 2008 season was "probably" his last in L.A.

Several days after that statement, the Angels beat the All-Star closer in a salary arbitration case. Rodriguez is receiving $10 million this season rather than his request for $12.5 million.

Rodriguez owns a 2.36 ERA and has blown just three saves in 41 chances this season. He told the L.A. Times those numbers are his focus now.

"They're still paying me to do my job," Rodriguez said. "I still have to get my job done, and whatever happens, happens."

SOURCE - ESPN.COM

[cruzg24]

This guy is going to rake in a lot of money this offseason. Next to Rivera and Nathan, one of the premier closers who has been as consistent since his arrival to the big leagues. There is definitely going to be a bidding war for this guy because great closers and very hard to come by, like a good hitting catcher.