Who gives K-Rod His Big Payday?

[BrewerBall13]

So, I know there is already a thread about K-Rod deciding to test out the free agent market...but I figured this deserved it's own thread...

Angels' Francisco Rodriguez says he will file for free agency - Los Angeles Times

Francisco Rodriguez said Monday that he plans to file for free agency after the season, setting the stage for one of three prominent decisions facing the Angels this winter.

Rodriguez, 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 would no longer consider an extension before soliciting offers from other teams.

Given what recent closers have gotten, his dominance this year and the fact that he is just 26, K-Rod is looking at huge money this offseason. My question is, who is going to give it to him? Coule he pull in 15-17 million?

Looking around the league, most of the big market teams have big time closers locked up, and smaller market teams with closers that aren't going anywhere.

Boston: Papelbon
Yankees: Rivera
Mets: Wagner
Philadelphia: Lidge
White Sox: Jenks
Cubs: Wood
Seattle: Putz
Toronto: Ryan
Minnesota: Nathan
Cincy: Cordero
Houston: Valverde
KC: Soria


After those are a list of teams that would not have the ability to spend that kind of money or make that kind of commitment to a closer:

Tampa
Royals
A's
Rockies
Pirates
Marlins
Nationals

The bubble teams, that may have the money and the roster spots are:

Baltimore
Cleveland
Detroit
Texas
Atlanta
Milwaukee
St. Louis
Dodgers
San Francisco
Arizona
San Diego

Now of those teams listed above, we have teams with young closers (San Fran, Texas) decent middle rung closers (Arizona, Baltimore), teams with potential in house replacements (Detroit, Dodgers, San Diego) and teams with committee situations (Cleveland, Milwaukee, Atlanta). Of these teams, only a handful could possibly pony up the cash (Baltimore, St Louis, Dodgers, SF) and I am not sure they bite on him. Would K-Rod consider being a high paid set up in Boston or NY? Unlikely as that would mean that he would be get paid as a top end set up man, which would bring his price tag down to a level more teams could afford him as a closer. Or, will the Halos back up the Brinks truck to Frankie's front door and lock him up long term?

[CrazyEights]

Of these teams, only a handful could possibly pony up the cash (Baltimore, St Louis, Dodgers, SF) and I am not sure they bite on him.

The Cardinals could pony up for a closer, but I doubt they would give any closer a long term contract. Chris Perez has been deemed he closer of the future, but he may need another year or two to develop another pitch in the minors.

[DravenX]

That sucks. Angels need K-Rod.