Long-Term Deal for Rodriguez Is a Priority

Securing closer Francisco Rodriguez to a long-term contract will be among the Angels’ top priorities this off-season after the sides were unable to agree to terms on a multiyear deal last winter.

“We’ve agreed that we will sit down at the end of the season and have some serious conversations,” agent Paul Kinzer said, referring to informal talks he has had with General Manager Bill Stoneman. “Frankie has definitely put up the numbers and done his job. He’s put himself in a good position contract-wise.”

Rodriguez, who has a major league-leading 41 saves, a 1.71 earned-run average in 60 appearances and a 29 1/3 -inning scoreless streak, is making $3.775 million this season.

The 24-year-old right-hander probably would double his salary if he goes to a second year of arbitration next winter, and if he follows a remarkable 2006 season with a strong 2007, he would surpass $10 million in arbitration after 2008.

By locking up Rodriguez to a four-year deal or a three-year deal with an option, the Angels would eliminate his last two years of arbitration, secure him through his first two years of free agency and save some money. Negotiations for a three-year deal probably would start in the $24-million range.

If the Angels don’t secure Rodriguez to a long-term deal, they’ll risk losing him as a free agent after 2008. And there already is speculation that the big-spending New York Yankees are eyeing Rodriguez as a replacement for Mariano Rivera, who is 36.

“It’s the dream of every young player to sign a multiyear deal,” Rodriguez said. “I would love to stay here for a long time. I would love to finish my career here. But sometimes, you understand it’s a business.”

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Since hitting .327 in May, his first month in the major leagues, Mike Napoli’s batting average had dipped every month until now. His .250 average in September before Tuesday wasn’t exactly scorching, but it represented a dramatic improvement over his .122 average in August. Napoli also had two homers in a three-game span after going 17 games without one.

“He’s quieting some things down and he’s got a more consistent path to the ball,” Manager Mike Scioscia said. “He’s worked hard with [Angels hitting coach] Mickey [Hatcher] to get his hands in a position that will let him get to pitches on a more consistent plane and maybe take away some of the mis-hits.”

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Angel Stadium provides the best fan value and experience in the major leagues, according to an SI.com survey of fans.

The 40-year-old stadium won points in most every category -- including amenities, atmosphere and neighborhood -- but drew particular raves for the average cost of concessions and souvenirs. A family of four would spend an estimated $59 at Angel Stadium, about half of the $102 they would spend at Fenway Park. Dodger Stadium ranked 26th out of 30 in the survey.

Times staff writer Ben Bolch contributed to this report.

mike.digiovanna@latimes.com