SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego Padres have agreed with former Detroit Tigers closer Joaquin Benoit on a $15.5 million, two-year contract, a person familiar with the situation said Wednesday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal is pending Benoit passing a physical. In his first season as Tigers closer, Benoit had 24 saves in 26 chances. But in Game 2 of the AL championship series, he allowed a tying grand slam by Bostons David Ortiz that was a turning point in the series. A starter early in his career, Benoit has been strictly a reliever since 2006 while with the Texas Rangers. He is 44-35 lifetime with a 4.11 ERA and 37 saves. Benoit, who turns 37 on July 26, is expected to replace setup man Luke Gregerson, who was traded to Oakland for outfielder Seth Smith. He could also be insurance for closer Huston Street, whos been on the disabled list three times the last two seasons. Street is entering the final year of a $14 million, two-year deal. The Padres hold a $7 million option for 2015. Cheap Portugal Soccer Jerseys .A. Dickeys dancing knuckleball that he didnt even expect to play Tuesday night. wholesale jerseys . MARIE, Ont. http://www.nflauthenticcheapjerseys.com/ . -- Just about everything had gone as planned for the Golden State Warriors at home this season until 11:26 remained in the fourth quarter against the Utah Jazz on Saturday night. Cheap Utah Jazz Jerseys . -- Martin St. Cheap Winnipeg Jets Jerseys . -- Both Alberta rinks and Quebecs mens rink remained unbeaten with victories in Draw 6 on Sunday at the M&M Meat Shops Canadian juniors curling championship. MONTREAL -- Houston Dynamo forward Brian Ching has said loud and clear that if the Montreal Impact picked him, he would retire. But that hasnt stopped the team from taking him as their No. 1 pick in the Major League Soccer expansion draft on Wednesday. Impact head coach Jesse Marsch, who coached Ching on the U.S. national team, and sports director Nick De Santis have signaled their intentions to convince the 33-year-old striker to come to Montreal for the start of the clubs 2012 season. But if that effort fails, the expansion team may also use him as a bargaining chip with the Dynamo or other clubs that have expressed interest in the man who took home MLS championships in 2003, 2006 and 2007. "We have the utmost respect for Brian, both as a player and a person," said Marsch on Wednesday. "He made it clear he does not want to come here but we think he represents good value. There are teams in the league who think the same thing. "I want to consider what is best for Brians future but I also want to consider whaat it best for the future of our club.dddddddddddd" Marsch noted Ching isnt the first player who said he didnt want to leave a city. "But its a reality of the business. If you want to be a professional player, you must be open to the possibility of moving. It happens to all players and it will continue to happen. "We believe hes an excellent player. Wed bet on him here. If he doesnt come, well look at another scenario to improve our club." But the hidden treasure among the Impacts picks may be 20-year-old defender Zarek Valentin, whom USA Chivas selected fourth in the MLS super-draft in 2011. "Describing him as "clearly a very good player," Marsch said. "There were so many people who were interested in him around the league," he added, saying Valentin is a player the team is interested in keeping. Montreal also took Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Jeb Brovsky with its fifth pick. The impact didnt take any Toronto FC players. Montreal starts play in MLS next season. cheap nfl jerseys ' ' '