{allcanada} Dotel poised to become Jays new closer

BRISTOL, Conn. -- It looks like Octavio Dotel is poised to become the next closer for the Toronto Blue Jays.

The club and free-agent reliever have reached agreement on a US$3.5-million, one-year deal, the player's agent told ESPNdeportes.com.

Dominic Torres says the contract also includes a $3.5 million team option in 2012.

The signing isn't expected to be finalized until after Dotel travels from his native Dominican Republic to Dunedin, Fla., after New Year's to undergo a physical.

"Octavio is excited about playing for a team that will give you the opportunity to close games in the strongest division in baseball," Torres said.

The 37-year-old is a leading candidate to take over from Kevin Gregg, who saved 37 games last season for the Blue Jays and is now a free agent.

General manager Alex Anthopoulos declined options for Gregg of $5.25 million for 2011 and a $9.5 million for the next two seasons earlier this off-season.

Dotel pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies last season, collecting 22 saves with a 3-4 record and 4.08 earned-run average in 68 games.

 

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