Closer Francisco Cordero has long professed his desire to remain with the Reds beyond this season. And though it’s not in writing yet, Cordero is pleased to know the feeling is mutual.
“They’re talking to my agent, and maybe something will get done,” Cordero said on Monday. “The Reds told me they wanted me to come back. I said I wanted to come back.”
Cordero, 36, is in the final guaranteed year of his four-year, $46 million contract, which pays him $12 million this season. There is a $12 million club option for 2012 with a $1 million buyout that the Reds must decide upon by the time the World Series ends next month.
Honestly, I like Cordero more than most. He’s a standup guy, and he’s a more reliable reliever than most. Unfortunately, he is paid like he is one of the top two closers in the game, and he isn’t even close.
So…I wouldn’t mind if the Reds re-signed Cordero — at 1/4 of his current price. (Yeah, that ain’t happenin’, I know.) If nothing else, having Cordero around would prevent Dusty Baker and Walt Jocketty from doing something stupid like making Aroldis Chapman the closer.