The free agency game is nearing its end for Matt Clement.

The Butler native and right-handed starting pitcher said Monday that he hopes to sign with a team by the end of this week.

"Barry (Axelrod, his agent) and I will have all of the offers in by Tuesday or Wednesday, and we'll start getting rid of teams then," Clement said.

"I definitely want to have this done before Christmas."

Anaheim and Cleveland have been considered the front-runners in terms of contract offers, but Clement said he's received "four or five definite offers."

Axelrod listed Cleveland, Anaheim, Toronto and Los Angeles as teams that have extended formal offers to Clement.

The 30-year-old said two or three more teams have contacted Axelrod with potential offers.

"We want to get to a process of elimination," Axelrod said. "Now's not the time to be adding teams to the mix, but that seems to be happening.

"We've heard from the Red Sox now that they've lost Pedro (Martinez), for example. We hope to get this done soon, but the timetable is something not in our control. We're trying to move things along," he added.

Axelrod said Clement should expect a contract similar to three-year deals signed by Kris Benson and Jon Lieber.

The Mets and Phillies, respectively, recently signed those hurlers for approximately $21 million over three years.

When asked if Clement has received any offer exceeding $21 million over three years, Axelrod replied, "Yes, but I'm not going to get into any particulars."

"It looks like I'll come away with a three-year deal somewhere," Clement said. "That's what all of the offers seem to be."

Clement is 69-75 with a 4.34 earned run average in his seven-year major league career. He averages eight strikeouts per nine innings in the big leagues.

Last year with the Chicago Cubs, he posted a 9-13 record with a 3.68 ERA, ranking seventh in the National League with 190 strikeouts and eighth with a .229 team batting average against.

"There are eight to 10 teams still in the running for Matt," Axelrod said. "(In terms of offers) we're about where we'd figure we'd be. Interested teams are an even split between National League and American League."

Cleveland is the only city Clement has visited during negotiations.

"That's only because it wasn't a very far drive and I had never seen Jacobs Field," he said. "I enjoyed that trip. They were very down-to-earth people and they treated (wife) Heather and I very well.

"The Indians were very straightforward about where they're at and what they want."

The Indians are looking at Clement as the No. 2 starter in their rotation. The team web-site stated that the club has made its offer and is awaiting Clement's response.

While Clement said Anaheim is the most talented team to make him an offer, he said every team he's talking with expects to be a winner.

"No matter what, I'm going to wind up with a pretty good club," he said.

"Anaheim is a great location in terms of weather and their team is very strong. They're a definite pennant contender."

The Angels recently signed free agent Steve Finley to join American League MVP Vladimir Guerrero and Garrett Anderson in the outfield.

Clement said he isn't planning on visiting any more cities, but that could change "if the situation warranted it."

Clement admitted he's enjoyed the last few weeks of free agency.

"I'd be lying if I said otherwise," he said. "This may be the only time in my career I'll be in this situation and some players never are.

"I'm enjoying it. There's only a little bit of stress and that's in making sure I feel that in my heart, I've made the best decision for myself and my family," he added.