The chances of the Los Angeles Angels retaining record-setting closer Francisco Rodriguez went from slim to virtually none Wednesday, with owner Arte Moreno saying, "We're turning the page on this one."

Moreno did not rule out the possibility of the Angels pursuing Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Manny Ramirez if they are unable to sign free-agent first baseman Mark Teixeira, who is the team's top priority this winter.

"He single-handedly took L.A. to the promised land," Moreno, in a radio interview, said of Ramirez, who led the Dodgers to the National League Championship Series.

"He did a heck of a job, he hit great, he was a fan favorite, he did a great job with their young players. At the end of the day, you want people who can hit, and he may be one of top right-handed hitters ever."

Rodriguez is one of the top right-handed relievers in the game, but the Angels appear to have exhausted their efforts to retain the free agent.

The Angels thought they had an agreement with Rodriguez on a three-year, $34-million deal last November, but Rodriguez turned it down after Yankees closer Mariano Rivera signed a three-year, $45-million contract.

Rodriguez, who went 2-3 with a 2.24 ERA in 69 games last season and set a major league record with 62 saves, is looking for a deal of four or five years in length and $15 million a year.

"Believe it or not, we really spent a lot of time and effort trying to re-sign Frankie," Moreno said. "There were six different offers on the table at different times, and this time last year, we thought we had him signed. Then Rivera got his deal.

"I'm not one of these never-never people, but I think as a whole, it's time to turn the page and move forward and get to things we need to do."

The Angels plan to offer Rodriguez arbitration on Dec. 1 so they can receive a first-round draft pick and a sandwich pick after the first round as compensation for losing the 26-year-old, who is expected to draw heavy interest from the New York Mets.

The arbitration offer also leaves a crack in the door for a possible return for Rodriguez, who could sign a one-year deal with the Angels if he is unhappy with the offers he receives elsewhere.

If Rodriguez departs, a pair of right-handed setup men — veteran Scot Shields and rookie Jose Arredondo — would be in line to replace him, but Moreno said the Angels would also pursue a reliever in free agency or by trade.

If Teixeira departs it would leave a huge void in the lineup — the switch-hitter batted .358 with a .449 on-base percentage, 13 home runs and 43 RBI for the Angels after a July 29 trade from Atlanta.

Could Ramirez, the 36-year-old who hit .396 with 17 home runs and 53 RBI in 53 games with the Dodgers after a July 31 trade from the Boston Red Sox, fill that void?

Could the controversial outfielder, who was accused of not playing hard last summer in an effort to force the Red Sox to trade him, fit in with the Angels?

"That's a question for Mike and Tony," Moreno said, referring to Manager Mike Scioscia and General Manager Tony Reagins. "For us, Manny hits. He's a clutch guy.

"He did a great job with Boston, and he did a great job with the Dodgers. Some people just hit, whether they're 30, 32 or 37. And I think he's better fitted for the American League because we have the designated hitter."