Almost a done deal/ Neagle expected to sign contract with Rockies

DENVER - Denny Neagle said Sunday night he was still considering his options, but indications are he'll sign with the Colorado Rockies today.

Although he hasn't totally ruled out signing with the New York Mets or the Los Angeles Dodgers, Neagle will undergo a medical examination by the Rockies today.

Asked in a telephone interview with the New York Times if he'll finalize a long-term deal if he passes, the left-handed pitcher said, "I'd say there'd be a good chance."

Neagle told the Times reports of a five-year deal worth $51 million are "pretty close." There is an option for a sixth season.

Neagle also said left-hander Mike Hampton, whose Mets faced Neagle's York Yankees in the World Series, is giving Colorado's eight- year offer serious thought.

"They are definitely serious about trying to get both of us here," Neagle said. "I know Mike pretty well, and the Rockies are still on his list.

"It might be wishful thinking, and they might have to be creative financially, but if they can make it work, the more the merrier."

Neagle said he has no worries that his experience could turn out like Darryl Kile's ill-fated 1998 and 1999 with the Rockies - before Kile was traded to St. Louis and became a 20-game winner.

"Kile's big pitch is an overhand curveball, and that's one of the pitches to make work in that ballpark (Coors Field)," Neagle said. "The ball's slick sometimes and it doesn't break as much; that's pure physics. I throw more of a cutter-slider, which doesn't have to break as much."

Neagle went 15-9 last year, but 7-7 with a 5.81 ERA after being traded from Cincinnati to the Yankees. Neagle said his numbers were marred by a couple of bad late-season starts, he enjoyed the experience overall and "won a ring out of it."

But of Game 4 of the World Series, when he led, 3-2, and was pulled by manager Joe Torre just one out shy of qualifying for the victory, Neagle said, "I'll just leave that unsaid. I did my best when I had the chance."

Among American League teams, Boston made the biggest push to sign Neagle.

- Thomas Harding may be reached at tharding@gazette.com

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