Closing in on being ‘greatest’

Nothing sparks an argument, at least in sports, quicker than labeling someone or something “the greatest.” But you could argue the greatest closer in baseball history and the greatest current closer shared the field Friday at Yankee Stadium.

For the home team: Mariano Rivera. For the visiting Angels: Francisco Rodriguez.

Rivera is 37, and the Yankees reportedly have considered Rodriguez as a potential replacement. Rodriguez, 25, is eligible for free agency after next season.

“I’ll be with whatever team gives me an opportunity,” Rodriguez said. “Right now, I’m here [with the Angels]. Hopefully, I’ll finish my career here. Sometimes, it’s a business.”

Rodriguez, not Rivera, led the American League in saves in the 2005 and 2006 seasons. And Rodriguez has the lower career earned-run average, 2.27 to 2.36.

“He does a good job,” Rivera said. “He definitely does a good job.”

Still, Rivera has three more World Series championship rings, seven more All-Star selections and 296 more saves.

“I haven’t done anything, compared to what he’s done the past 10 years,” Rodriguez said. “By the end of my career, I hope people will compare me to somebody else. It’s an honor for me to be compared with one of the greatest closers ever.”

Rodriguez spent some time with Rivera at the 2004 All-Star game and said he is as friendly off the field as he is effective on the field.

“He makes it look so easy,” Rodriguez said. “I know the job is not easy. How he handles pressure and how he handles situations, it’s unreal.”

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Nick Adenhart is the Angels’ top pitching prospect, but he has not pitched up to his billing this month. Adenhart, 20, is at double-A Arkansas.

In April, he went 3-1 with an 0.80 ERA, with 27 strikeouts and 10 walks in 34 innings, and opponents hit .207 off him. In May, he is 0-1 with a 9.37 ERA, with 11 strikeouts and 13 walks in 16 innings, and opponents have hit .389 off him.

“No reason to worry at this point,” said Tony Reagins, the Angels’ minor league director. “There are no issues with his arm. It’s just a run of bad luck.”

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Manager Mike Scioscia said Garret Anderson (hip flexor) figures to need a short rehabilitation assignment. Anderson is expected to be evaluated Monday.

When Anderson returns, the Angels could keep him and Reggie Willits in the lineup by platooning Casey Kotchman and Shea Hillenbrand at first base and Chone Figgins and Robb Quinlan at third base.

“That’s one option we can consider,” Scioscia said.

Figgins, the starting third baseman, has made five errors in 21 games there.

“Figgins makes some nice plays in between some of the errors we’ve seen,” Scioscia said. “We’re hoping he’ll play at a high enough level to support the pitching we’ve seen.”

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Willits could return to the lineup today, after missing two games because of a tight right hamstring. “If I’m not in there, it’s not because of my leg,” he said. ... Orlando Cabrera extended his hitting streak to 15 games, tying a career high. Mike Napoli has hit in 12 consecutive games. ... Bench coach Ron Roenicke will manage today and Sunday. Scioscia returned home to attend the graduation of his son, Matthew, from Encino Crespi High.

bill.shaikin@latimes.com