Free-agent reliever Brian Fuentes and the Los Angeles Angels reached agreement on a two-year, $17.5 million deal yesterday, giving the AL West champions a replacement for record-setting closer Francisco Rodriguez.

Fuentes gets $8.5 million next season and $9 million in 2010. There's a club option for $9 million in 2011.

"He should solidify the back part of our bullpen," Angels general manager Tony Reagins said on a conference call. "We pitched well last year, we expect to pitch well again."

Fuentes, a 33-year-old lefty, was a three-time NL All-Star who went 1-5 with 30 saves in 34 chances and a 2.73 ERA for Colorado last season.

"I'm definitely happy to have the opportunity to play for a team that I've watched for a long time," said Fuentes, who grew up in Merced, Calif., and still lives there. "My 2-year-old's excited. He can't wait to go to Disneyland."

INDIANS ACQUIRE DEROSA

The Cleveland Indians acquired versatile infielder Mark DeRosa yesterday in a trade that sent three minor leaguers to the Chicago Cubs.

The Indians sent minor league pitchers Jeff Stevens, Chris Archer and John Gaub to Chicago.

DeRosa, 33, may slide into Cleveland's opening at third base. He hit a career-high 21 homers and drove in 87 runs in 149 games last season while playing six different positions — including 95 appearances at second base, 22 at third — for the NL Central champions.

HOCKEY

CANADA BEATS U.S., 7-4

John Tavares scored three goals and Canada overcame a 3-0 deficit to beat the United States, 7-4, last night to earn a bye into the semifinals in the world junior hockey championship at Ottawa.

Canada (4-0) will face the winner of the Russia-Czech Republic quarterfinal on Saturday.

The United States (3-1) will face Slovakia — a 3-2 shootout winner over Finland — tomorrow night.