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DANA POINT, Calif. (AP) - Los Angeles Angels general manager Tony Reagins has a busy winter ahead of him.
Record-setting closer Francisco Rodriguez and slugging first baseman Mark Teixeira are among six Angels players who have filed for free agency, a group that also includes outfielders Garret Anderson and Juan Rivera, and pitchers Jon Garland and Darren Oliver.
"There are a lot of questions, but this didn't sneak up on us. We knew it would be this way," Reagins said Tuesday at the GM meetings. "We have to make the best decisions for our organization. We'll do that and see where it takes us, but we do understand that this industry is not going to stop."
Rodriguez set a major league record with 62 saves this season, and Teixeira helped Los Angeles win the AL West title after arriving July 29 in a trade that sent first baseman Casey Kotchman to Atlanta. But owner Arte Moreno and his front office can't afford to allow negotiations with both stars to go on too long.
"They can drag on if you let them drag on. But there will come a point where we have to make a decision, whether we're in or out, because we don't want to jeopardize missing out on other opportunities," said Reagins, who took over for Bill Stoneman last winter.
Teixeira's agent is Scott Boras, while K-Rod is represented by Paul Kinzer. Reagins has not given either agent a negotiating deadline, but expects to huddle with both over the next couple of weeks.
"Mark is a priority, and we have a high level of interest," Reagins said. "He's a talented ballplayer. The way he goes about his business was impressive. Being able to see him every day was eye-opening, really, and we think he adds to what we want to do.
"I think Mark enjoyed his time that he was with the Angels. I think he liked everything about the Angels - the organization, players, coaches, the ballpark, the area, but he has to make the best decision for his family. And we respect that," he added.
The Angels don't want to lose Rodriguez, either, but the three-time All-Star is the biggest prize available to teams seeking a reliable closer.
"I don't think anyone, especially in this economy and in this environment, has a blank check to do anything," Reagins said. "Everyone in America is feeling this economic situation. So I don't think blank checks exist."
