The Mets are weighing which top free-agent closer to pursue -- Francisco Rodriguez or Brian Fuentes -- and while no offer to either appears imminent, indications are strong that Mets people are leaning toward Rodriguez over Fuentes now.
Mets decisionmakers worried earlier about the suggestion that K-Rod would demand Mariano Rivera money($15 million a year) on a five-year contract. But with those fears allayed, the momentum seems to be moving toward K-Rod, who saved a record 62 games last year for the Angels while going 2-3 with a 2.24 ERA. The Mets would love to sign Rodriguez to a three-year deal, but with intense competition expected, may have to go to four years.
Mets people have concerns about K-Rod's drop in velocity but are encouraged that he was able to reinvent himself with a changeup as his pivotal pitch. K-Rod is also seen as a pitcher with the type of flair and personality who could thrive in New York. The Mets are aided by a glut of available top bullpen arms, including free-agent closers Kerry Wood and Trevor Hoffman plus trade possibilities Bobby Jenks, J.J. Putz and Huston Street.
For now, though, K-Rod appears likely the Mets' top target.
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