[LitlBuck]

PD

Tribe, Wood's agent talk
But Indians looking at variety of closers
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Paul Hoynes
Plain Dealer Reporter

Las Vegas- The Indians met twice with Pat Rooney, agent for closer Kerry Wood, as the winter meetings opened Monday at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino.

Meanwhile, the Indians were preparing to fix their infield without the services of Casey Blake. Reportedly, Blake is close to signing a three-year deal with the Dodgers. The Indians traded Blake to Los Angeles in July for right-hander John Meloan and catcher Carlos Santana.

The Indians have been looking for a closer since the end of last season. Wood, with a long history of injuries, was 34-for-40 in save situations with a 3.26 ERA in 65 games for the Chicago Cubs last season. It was his first season as a closer.

The three other big-name closers on the free-agent market, Francisco Rodriguez, Brian Fuentes and Trevor Hoffman, were reportedly visiting teams at the Bellagio. Tribe General Manager Mark Shapiro played it coy when asked if he would meet with any of them this week.

The Mets reportedly have offered Rodriguez a three-year deal. Wood and Fuentes would probably command the same kind of deal in terms of length. Hoffman, 41, is probably looking at a one-year deal.

Continued

I would not be unhappy if they signed Woods assuming he is healthy. I think he would be a very good closer but would not break the bank signing him.