Did rival clubs actually offer Mariano Rivera more money and years than the Yankees, who reportedly are close to re-signing the free-agent closer to a two-year, $30 million contract?

Depends who you talk to.

Numerous reports Friday said Rivera received offers from multiple teams, including two of the Yankees’ biggest rivals, the Red Sox and Angels.

Officials with both those clubs, however, indicated that the reports may have been overstated.

The Red Sox, one source said, were talking to Rivera’s agents about another player when the agents brought up Rivera’s name.

According to the source, the Sox “listened really out of curiosity,” adding, “the whole world knew he was going back there.”

The Angels’ source didn't have direct knowledge of any discussions between the team and Rivera, but said he doubted any pursuit was serious.

“I don’t think there was anything to that, and for obvious reasons,” the source said. “I think we are too respectful of that situation to have interjected an offer.”

Teams that lose out in negotiations rarely admit the extent of their actual interest.

In any case, Rivera's going back where he belongs – to the Yankees.

-Ken Rosenthal