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As he attempts to return to the majors for the first time since 2008, left-hander Mark Mulder seems to be nearing a decision on which team he will head to spring training with in February. According to a source with knowledge of the negotiations, Mulder is evaluating several offers, and a decision will come "sooner rather than later".
According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, the Los Angeles Angels have emerged as the favorites to sign Mulder to a minor league, incentive-laden contract, but the sides have not yet agreed to terms on a deal. Cafardo previously reported that the Angels, Giants, Padres, Diamondbacks and Phillies were the teams in attendance for Mulder's two bullpen sessions, in which he improved his velocity from 88 to 92 mph.
The Giants seem like an unlikely destination for Mulder, as GM Brian Sabean recently told CSNBayArea's Andrew Baggarly that the 36-year old was looking for a major league contract, something that San Francisco would not provide. A source close to Mulder refused comment on the specifics of any of the offers, but Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reports that any deal between Mulder and the Angels would be a minor league contract.
Mulder, a two-time All-Star, appeared in six total games in 2007 and 2008 after posting a 7.14 ERA in 17 starts with the Cardinals in 2006. For his nine-year major league career with the Athletics (2000-2004) and Cardinals (2005-2008), he is 103-60 with a 4.18 ERA in 205 appearances (203 starts).
