Smith Hints at Agreement With Angels

Free-agent closer Lee Smith said Sunday night he likely will accept the Angels’ two-year contract offer worth about $4 million this week, and might sign as early as today.

The reason for the decision is quite simple, Smith said.

“I don’t have any other offers,” he said. “I wanted to give everybody an opportunity, but I don’t want to let anything slip though my fingers and then end up getting nothing.

“I really appreciate what the Angels are doing for me.”

Smith, baseball’s all-time saves leader, said five teams were interested: Baltimore Orioles, Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees and St. Louis Cardinals. Yet, only the Angels made an offer.

Agent Brian David told the Angels, who set no deadline for Smith, to expect a decision today.

“You can only wait so long,” Smith said. “I don’t think the Angels are going to wait until spring training to get a closer.”

Smith, 37, who produced a major league-leading 33 saves last season with the Orioles, had been awaiting an offer from them. He underwent a magnetic resonance imaging test on his knees and ankles last week at the Orioles’ insistence, and received a clean bill of health last Friday.

However, the Orioles still were undecided Sunday night whether they wanted Smith, a high-ranking Oriole official said. Even if the Orioles made an offer, the source said, it would be for one year.

“I wouldn’t mind staying in Baltimore,” Smith said. “But you can’t always get you want. I’ve given them ample time to make an offer. I’m not going to wait forever.”