Mets reported making bid for K-Rod

LAS VEGAS, Dec. 8 (UPI) -- The New York Mets reportedly have made right-handed reliever Francisco Rodriguez a two-year offer worth about $24 million.

The New York Daily News reported the initial offer is just a starting point, but the Mets indicated they would not have to commit to more than three years because they couldn't identify a serious competitor.

The Mets, who have also met with representatives of Trevor Hoffman and Brian Fuentes, is in need of a closer with Billy Wagner expected to be sidelined for most, if not all, of 2009.

Rodriguez set the single-season saves record this past season, saving 62 games for the AL West champion Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He was 2-3 with a 2.24 earned-run average, while striking out 77 batters in 68 1/3 innings. Since assuming the closer's role from Troy Percival in 2005, Rodriguez has saved 40 or more games for the Angels in each of the last four years.