Angels interested in A-Rod

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Alex Rodriguez is prepared to meet and greet.

Agent Scott Boras used this week’s general managers’ meetings to give teams his sales pitch for A-Rod and was pleased with how it went.

“With regard to Alex, we got some very clear direction from clubs as to where their interest is,” Boras said Thursday after the four-day session ended.

Given that Rodriguez terminated a record $252 million, 10-year contract to seek even greater riches, this won’t be a deal signed off on at the GM level.

“I fully expect that with this type of player, that the owner will want to sit down and talk with him,” Boras said.

When the New York Yankees asked for a meeting before Rodriguez opted out, Boras told them they’d have to make a $350 million offer just to speak with Rodriguez.

The Los Angeles Angels said they’re interested in A-Rod, who appears likely to win his third AL MVP award this month.

Other possible suitors, such as the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets, are taking a more wait-and-see approach with their public comments.

There was only one trade at the meetings: The Philadelphia Phillies acquired closer Brad Lidge and infielder Eric Bruntlett from Houston on Wednesday night for outfielder Michael Bourn, pitcher Geoff Geary and minor league third baseman Mike Costanzo.

But other deals are percolating at various levels. Florida dangled All-Star third baseman Miguel Cabrera, who interests the Yankees and perhaps the Angels and Dodgers.

Several teams would want two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana, but the Minnesota Twins say he’s not available and they’re trying to work out an extension before he can become a free agent after the 2008 season.

“I don’t think people are waiting for something to happen. You can’t wait around too long in this marketplace,” Mets general manager Omar Minaya said.

The more interesting action at these meetings occurs in the lobbies, lounges, hallways and suites, where GMs talk with each other and agents.

Yankees GM Brian Cashman, needing to replace Rodriguez at third, has interest in Cabrera and Joe Crede of the Chicago White Sox. But with the start of spring training more than three months away, he doesn’t expect to fill the spot soon. Cashman said the meetings had a “predictable feel.”

“Sometimes it will take more time for us to be willing to do certain things that we’re unwilling to do, or vice versa, to match up with somebody else and kind of get them interested in other aspects from their initial offer,” he said.

Atlanta said it would like to bring back Tom Glavine after a five-year absence. New general manager Frank Wren spoke with the two-time Cy Young Award winner and his agent, Gregg Clifton, and Wren intends to call again next week, after teams can start making offers to free agents.