Angels replace Rodriguez with Fuentes

The Los Angeles Angels filled their closer’s role Wednesday by signing free-agent left-hander Brian Fuentes to a two-year contract.

Financial terms were not disclosed, but sources told MLB.com the deal is worth $17.5 million, with a $9 million club option for the 2011 season.

Fuentes replaces the departed Francisco Rodriguez, who compiled a major league-record 62 saves for the reigning American League West champions in 2008, but has signed a free-agent deal with the New York Mets this off-season.

Last season, Fuentes, a 13-year veteran and three-time All-Star, recorded 30 saves with a record of 1-5 and a 2.73 ERA in 67 appearances for the Colorado Rockies.

He owns an 17-27 career record with 115 saves and a 3.41 ERA in 438 games with Colorado and Seattle.

The Merced, Calif., native made no secret of his desire to pitch for the Angels in the last two years.