K-Rod to Wear Pinstripes in ‘09?

At this point, it sounds as if Frankie might be playing his final season in Anaheim.

On Monday, Angels All-Star closer Francisco Rodriguez said that he plans to file for free agency after the season. Rodriguez, who is on pace to set the major league record for saves in a season, said he would not rule out re-signing with the Angels, but he would no longer consider an extension before listening to offers from other major league teams.

“I’m going to go out there and explore the market,” Rodriguez told the media. “[The Angels] had six years. They didn’t get anything done with me.”

Depending on which team he signs with, it is quite likely that Rodriguez could get the richest contract ever for a relief pitcher. Rodriguez will hit free agency at 26, with the most saves in the majors over the last four seasons, and could be coming off  a year in which he breaks the record of 57 saves, set by Bobby Thigpen of the Chicago White Sox in 1990.

While Rodrgiez claims that the Angels front office didn’t try to sign him to a long term contract, they did offer him a contract worth three years and $34 million last winter last year. However, K-Rod certainly has some reason to be upset with the offer, because it does not place him among the league’s highest paid closers.

Last week, the Philadelphia Phillies signed Brad Lidge, 31, to an extension worth the three years and $37.5 million. Last winter, the Yankees signed legendary closer Mariano Rivera to an extension for three years and $45 million. Joe Nathan of the Twins and Francisco Cordero of the Reds both received four year deals this past winter apiece. Nathan received $47 million while Cordero will earn $46 million.

If the Angels hope to keep K-Rod away from the Bronx than it is about time they finally realize he deserves to be the highest paid closer in all of baseball.