While millions of Americans hit the stores Friday, the Brewers have just begun shopping for a closer.

Free agent Francisco Cordero, who set a club record with 44 saves in 51 chances last season, signed a four-year, $46 million deal with Cincinnati.

Brewers general manager Doug Melvin told the Journal Sentinel's Tom Haudricourt that he had offered Cordero $42 million over four years.

Cordero, 32, will pitch behind setup man David Weathers with Cincinnati, which had a horrendous bullpen last season and converted only 54.8 percent of its save chances.

The Brewers may try to trade for a closer, with Bill Hall, Chris Capuano and Dave Bush mentioned as possible enticements. But, they may try to find a closer out of current relievers Seth McClung, Derrick Turnbow or newly-acquired Guillermo Mota.

The Brewers lost setup man Scott Linebrink, who signed a four-year, $19 million deal with the Chicago White Sox.