SAN FRANCISCO -- The San Francisco Giants landed the top-tier closer they have been seeking for months, agreeing to a $62 million, four-year contract with right-hander Mark Melancon on Monday.Its the richest contract ever for a closer, topping Jonathan Papelbons $50 million, four-year deal with the Phillies from 2012-15 and Mariano Riveras $15 million annual value total in 2011-12 by the Yankees.Really excited to have Mark, manager Bruce Bochy said in a text message. Got to know him on a trip to Taiwan in 2011. Fills an important need for us. Great to get one of the premier closers in the game.Pending a physical, the pitcher receives a $20 million signing bonus, $8 million of which is deferred, then salaries of $4 million for 2017, $10 million in 18 and $14 million in each of the `19 and 2020 seasons. He has a full no-trade clause and the chance to opt out after the first two years.Melancon has saved at least 30 games in each of the past three seasons, recording a majors-best 51 in 2015. He went 47 for 51 in save opportunities in 75 relief appearances last season with Pittsburgh and Washington, tied for second-most saves in baseball with Baltimores Zach Britton and Kenley Jansen of the Dodgers behind the Mets Jeurys Familia with 51.After San Francisco tried to acquire Aroldis Chapman at the trade deadline and missed out to the Cubs, finding a reliable ninth-inning option became top of the to-do list for the offseason. Melancon was dealt to the Nationals from the Pirates.Adding a premier closer was our main priority this offseason, general manager Bobby Evans said. Mark solidifies the back end of our bullpen and fills a critical role. He brings talent, leadership and experience to our pitching staff.Because the 31-year-old Melancon was traded during the season, the Giants dont have to give up their first pick in Junes amateur draft as compensation.The Giants blew 32 saves this past season, nine in September -- one fewer than Melancon had over the past three years -- and the last in a 6-5 Game 4 loss to the Cubs that ended San Franciscos season. Chicago scored four runs in the ninth as Bochy tried five relievers in the inning.Santiago Casilla and Sergio Romo, two reliable relievers in even-year championships of 2010, `12 and `14, were both inconsistent.Last offseason, the Giants made a splash by adding to their starting rotation, signing Johnny Cueto to a $130 million, six-year contract and Jeff Samardzija for $90 million over five years.Nationals GM Mike Rizzo, speaking at baseballs winter meetings in Oxon Hill, Maryland, said Washington made an offer.We gave him an offer that we felt was market value and what we were comfortable giving him. Youre talking about one of the elite closers in the game and a great teammate, Rizzo said. Conducted himself perfectly as a Washington National. At the end of the day, the Giants offered him more, and he tk the deal. Thats what free agencys all about. ...Theyve got themselves a great citizen and a great pitcher.---AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum and AP Sports Writer Howard Fendrich in Oxon Hill, Maryland, contributed to this report.Red Schoendienst Cardinals Jersey . Siddikur, whose previous win on the circuit came in Brunei three years ago, finished his bogey-free round with a birdie on the 18th for a total of 17-under 199. Indias Shiv Chowrasia, who has finished runner-up in this tournament twice, was in second place after a 66. Mike Shannon Cardinals Jersey . Perhaps Carroll was so prepared for a break because he believes there is very little the Seattle Seahawks need heading into the off-season. "I dont see anything that we need to add. We just have to get better," Carroll said. http://www.authenticcardinalspro.com/cardinals-orlando-cepeda-jersey/ .ca lks back at the stories and moments that made the year memorable. Yadier Molina Jersey . The Barrie Colts defenceman, who impressed many with his play for Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championship, is the top-ranked skater in the February rankings. He has 19 goals and 24 assists for 43 points in 45 games with the Colts this season. Steve Carlton Cardinals Jersey . Wall made the comment in a speech to a Regina business crowd that included Lesnar. The U.S. wrestler and retired mixed martial artist says he was visiting his brothers farm in Saskatchewan and decided he wanted to hear what the premier had to say.TORONTO -- Semyon Varlamov made 51 saves, helping the Colorado Avalanche rebound from a miserable loss with a 3-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday night.The Avs lost 10-1 to Montreal on Saturday night but rebounded on the back of their Russian goaltender. Mikko Rantanen, Nathan MacKinnon and Blake Comeau scored, helping last-place Colorado get its ssecond win in nine games.ddddddddddddAntoine Bibeau made 26 saves in his first NHL start, and Jake Gardiner scored for Toronto.The Leafs, who won 4-1 in Boston on Saturday, are now 0-5-1 in the second half of back-to-backs this season. ' ' '