Sources: Guerrero to sign with Angels

[greasywheels121]

Sources: Guerrero to sign with Angels

 

 

 

By BILL MADDEN and JOHN HARPER

DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITERS

 

The dream died hard and fast last night.

 

Unwilling to gamble more than three years of guaranteed money on Vladimir Guerrero's once-injured back, the Mets paid for their caution when they learned the slugging free agent was signing a mega-deal with the Anaheim Angels, sources told the Daily News.

 

The identity of that team had remained something of a mystery until late last night. Like the Mets, the Angels jumped into the Guerrero sweepstakes only a few days ago, when it became clear that one of the best players in baseball was still up for grabs. Indications were that the deal was for five years and a guaranteed $70 million.

 

The Angels' late move caught the Mets by surprise. In the two days since they made their five-year, $71 million offer, of which $30 million was guaranteed, the Mets had begun to think they might really pull this off and get the superstar right fielder.

 

They kept hearing that Guerrero had no interest in going to the Orioles, the only team that had made a big guaranteed offer, and that seemed to clear a path for them. But what they didn't know was that the Angels came forward the same day the Mets made their proposal and offered their guaranteed deal.

 

The Angels, with new owner Arturo Moreno, have suddenly emerged as big spenders this winter. They had already signed Bartolo Colon to a 4-year, $48 million contract, as well as free agent pitcher Kelvim Escobar as Moreno looks to rebuild a team that went to the World Series two years ago.

 

Yesterday Tellem, one of Guerrero's agents, informed the Mets that the former Expos' right fielder was signing with another team. As a result, Mets GM Jim Duquette was left to explain the club's failed attempt on a conference call.

 

"I understand the disappointment of the fans," he said, when asked about fan reaction. "The organization is disappointed too. We were hopeful. That's why we're disappointed today."

 

Duquette said the Mets weren't given a chance yesterday to upgrade their offer in response to Angels' offer. It may not have mattered, however, as the Mets apparently were firm on their decision not to offer more than three years guaranteed, a cautious approach that Duquette said was justified, based on medical reports the Mets had seen.

 

"Our offer was based on the advice of our doctors," Duquette said. "We were advised not to make a long-term deal. As it was, I thought were making a pretty daring offer.

 

"We were able to see reports (of a back examination Guerrero underwent in Miami after the season), and our doctors were able to make a very credible evaluation. There was always a risk that he could have gotten hurt the first year of the deal." Duquette indicated the Mets were at least somewhat influenced in their thinking by their recent experience with Mo Vaughn, whose knee injury is essentially forcing him to retire. And while the Mets will collect insurance on Vaughn, Duquette said they couldn't find a company willing to insure Guerrero's back.

 

"It's our understanding that the back is uninsurable," Duquette said.

 

Caution aside, the Mets decided to make a late run at Guerrero when it seemed a lack of substantial offers had given them an opening. Their involvement may have triggered the Angels to move quickly; perhaps that was Tellem's intention in asking the Mets to make a proposal this week, but Duquette said he didn't think they were used merely as bait.

 

"We were told that if this team had not come forward, our offer would have been the subject of serious negotiations. If he had taken our offer, it's our understanding that he would have made more money than what's on the table."

 

Whatever the case, Duquette said that Fred Wilpon decided to authorize this offer because it was a chance to acquire a superstar player, and that it didn't mean the Mets would be looking to spend this kind of money on any other free agent.

 

"We're going to stick to our plan that we formulated and move forward with it," was the way Duquette put it. "When you get a chance to acquire a player like this, ownership was willing to give us the money to go over budget. The money was above and beyond the parameters set by ownership."

 

Originally published on January 10, 2004

[baggio202]

gee..cant believe kenny could sign him

[Cali]

Anybody else have this feeling that the big spenders this off-season still won't make the playoffs? I think the O's will finish 4th, 3rd at best, and that the Angels will finish 2nd or 3rd. If I we're to guess which of the 3 big spenders would make the playoffs it would be the BoSox.

[bulokis]

WOW! The Angels are really spending money. What they are doing now is what the SOX should be doing. WE NEED A NEW OWNERSHIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[whitesoxin']

It's funny how the poorest team in the AL West is always the winner, Oakland last year and in 2001, and the Angels in 02. Money doesn't always buy championships.

[Chisoxfn]

I'm so rooting for the Angels. Geeze, part of me wonders why I like the Sox, but I guess I'm just drawn to loser teams. Either way my 2nd favorite team is gonna be fun to watch

[Rex Hudler]

ESPN says LA Times reporting it is a done deal.

[Soxfest]

Nice move by Angels now I hope Sox do not take Erstad, Percival hurt and aging asses