SAN FRANCISCO - The San Francisco Giants' bid for a playoff berth was crushed when Dustin Hermanson and the bullpen couldn't hold a three-run lead against the Los Angeles Dodgers on the second-to-last day of the season.

That made getting a more accomplished closer an offseason priority. The Giants believe they found their man in Armando Benitez, who has the fourth best regular-season career save percentage but questionable postseason credentials.

Benitez agreed Tuesday to a $21.5 million, three-year contract, a move that stabilizes the club's closer role that's been in flux since Robb Nen got injured two years ago.

"He's the prototype," general manager Brian Sabean said. "He has been and will be a dominant force at the end of the game. ... He's a guy we had our eye on."

Benitez bounced back from a subpar 2003 season to save an NL-leading 47 games in 51 chances and lead major league relievers with a 1.29 ERA for the Florida Marlins this year.

Since Nen was sidelined with a shoulder injury following the 2002 World Series, the Giants have pieced together their bullpen. Tim Worrell closed in 2003 before leaving for Philadelphia as a free agent and San Francisco struggled at the end of games last season.

Matt Herges started the year as closer before being replaced by Hermanson in August. Hermanson saved 17 games but couldn't hold the 3-0 lead Oct. 2 at Dodger Stadium.

"I'm excited he's on our side," manager Felipe Alou said of Benitez. "We had to make a change in the middle of the season and it was not easy. Our guys did a tremendous job saving the games. ... We have a guy who has been very successful and an intimidating closer."