Despite not getting the fourth year he desired, closer Mariano Rivera is expected to accept the Yankees' three-year, $45 million offer early next week.

After returning from the Dominican Republic tonight, Mariano Rivera is going to huddle with his representatives tomorrow and according to several sources is expected to accept the Yankees' three-year, $45 million offer early next week.

The future Hall of Fame closer isn't happy about Hank Steinbrenner talking as much as he has about the contract offer that will make Rivera the highest paid closer by $4 million, but that doesn't appear to be a deal killer.

Though Rivera wanting a fourth year added to the deal has become an issue, it's not clear if the 38-year-old asked the Yankees for the extra year or had a four-year deal from another team. If that was the case, then Rivera is turning down additional dollars to remain with the only team he has worked for since 1990, where he's posted 443 saves (third on the all-time list).

If the deal is sealed today, Rivera could be joining Alex Rodriguez in re-entering the Yankees' universe. Rodriguez, who most likely will be named AL MVP tomorrow, is close to finalizing a 10-year, $275 million deal. Agent Scott Boras, the Yankees and MLB are working on a way to ensure Rodriguez can cash in on him breaking Barry Bonds' all-time home run record as a Yankee. Milestone clauses aren't allowed in player contracts.
MARIANO RIVERA EXPECTED TO TAKE THE YANKEES' 3-YEAR OFFER

Good, this needed to happen. Now we need to find more arms for the pen and alot more arms for the rotation.