Mammoth Blog

Francisco Rodriguez became the first top-tier free agent to reach an agreement when he decided to join the New York Mets, and Kerry Wood was on the verge of striking a deal with the Cleveland Indians at the winter meetings in Las Vegas.

Coming off a record 62 saves for the Los Angeles Angels, Rodriguez reached a preliminary agreement Tuesday on a $37 million, three-year contract with the Mets, desperate for bullpen help. The sides still have to work out a written agreement and the pitcher must pass a physical, two people familiar with the negotiations said. They spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the contract had not yet been completed.

"He's pretty special," said Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre, familiar with K-Rod from his days with the New York Yankees. "You got tired of looking at him in October. I mean, he had a lot of success against us and he's certainly that dominant guy out there, and he's very durable."

Cleveland was closing in on a two-year contract with Wood, the former Chicago Cubs starter-turned-reliever, a person familiar with that deal said on condition of anonymity because the sides still were working through details. Wood, who has had numerous injury problems, also needs to pass a physical.

Martinez delays signing

Pedro Martinez likely won't decide whether to pitch for the Dominican Republic in next year's World Baseball Classic until he reaches a contract agreement with a major league team.

The 37-year-old free agent isn't ready to start thinking about where he wants to play next season.

"I've said it previously and I have said to my agents that they do not speak to me of contracts until January," the three-time Cy Young Award winner said.

Martinez was 5-6 with a 5.61 ERA last season with the Mets. source>>>