Zack Greinke unlikely to re-sign with Angels

When the Los Angeles Angels declined Dan Haren's option and traded Ervin Santana, it was believed that the Angels were clearing the necessary cap space to re-sign talented ace Zack Greinke.

Unfortunately for the Angels, and fortunately for the Texas Rangers, it appears the Angels are unlikely to re-sign Greinke this winter.

Instead, the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are close to a $6 billion dollar television rights deal with FOX, are considered the favorites to land Greinke.

Whoever lands Greinke will end up paying a steep price. The 2009 Cy Young winner could command a six-year, $150 million dollar contract, which would be the richest deal for a right handed free agent starter in Major League Baseball history. Per ESPN's Buster Olney, one person involved in the Greinke talks believes that Greinke will eclipse C.C. Sabathia's record contract of seven years, $161 million dollars.

If the asking price for Greinke is that high, then the Rangers will likely be on the outside looking in of the Greinke sweepstakes.

Of course, it's not even December yet, so there is plenty of room for posturing from all parties. Still, it looks like the Dodgers are now the clear favorite to land Greinke.