The Cincinnati Reds, making their first big acquisition of the Dusty Baker era, have reached a preliminary agreement with free-agent closer Francisco Cordero on a four-year, $46-million contract, major-league sources say.

 

The deal, which is pending a physical, includes a club option for a fifth year that can bring the total value of the package to $57 million.

The Brewers, who are on the verge of losing setup man Scott Linebrink to the White Sox, offered Cordero a four-year, $42 million contract, sources say.

 

Cordero, 32, fills a major void for the Reds, who last season converted only 54.8 percent of their save opportunities, the lowest percentage in the National League.

 

By signing Cordero, the Reds could shift right-hander David Weathers back to a setup role. Weathers, 38, performed admirably as a fill-in closer last season, converting 33 of 39 save chances.

 

Cordero was 44-for-51 for the Brewers while going 0-4 with a 2.98 ERA and striking out 86 in 63 1/3 innings. He made the All-Star team for the second time in his career.

-Rosenthal

so much f***ing money :confused

 

but nice move

jesus h christ

 

sell Kevin Gregg now!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gregg to Astros or Brewers makes alot of sense to me.

Nice move, a lot of money though.

Retarded move.

 

I know in that division the Reds could actually contend next year with the team they have but this is an absurd contract for that position and a guy who is going to be 36 at the end of the deal.

 

He had a 6.55 ERA on the road last year.

Thats a lot of fookin mooney man

I guess i would feel bad for the Brewers except that their farm system is so freakin deep they probably have 5 or 6 arms wainting to take those spots in the Bullpen without skipping a beat

I guess i would feel bad for the Brewers except that their farm system is so freakin deep they probably have 5 or 6 arms wainting to take those spots in the Bullpen without skipping a beat

I could see them going after Gagne.