Though speculation earlier had projected free agent pitcher Francisco Rodriguez to seek an $80 million, five-year contract with the Mets, indications are that the world financial crisis may have lowered his expectations.
The former Los Angeles Angels closer has curtailed negotiations with the Mets and other teams until Major League baseball winter meetings commence Dec. 15, according to a recent report by KFI Radio 1070 in Los Angeles. Though K-Rod still desires a five-year deal, the radio report indicated his bottom line now appears closer to $50 million -- a $30 million discount compared with earlier expectations.
Though Rodriguez saved 62 games with 77 strikeouts in 68.3 innings last year for the Angels, the team is expected to replace him with rising hurler Jose Arredondo, who permitted only 65 baserunners in 61 innings.
In addition to the Mets, the Indians and Tigers are expected to compete for Rodriguez's services once the meetings begin.
Showing posts with label Francisco Rodriguez. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Francisco Rodriguez. Show all posts
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Angels Closer Francisco Rodriguez Overrated?
Even as Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez helped his team cinch a division title with his 56th save -- one shy of Bobby Thigpen's 1990 record -- the soon-to-be free agent's anticipated price tag has come under fire -- considering his six blown saves and various other shortcomings.
"Would you want to pay $15 million a year for a guy who doesn't pitch before the ninth inning (and) who has made the majority of his appearances with a lead of at least two runs in the ninth inning -- a comfort zone (in which) even average relievers will convert more than 90 percent?" asks Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci.
Verducci sees closers such as K-Rod as being not altogether exceptional, and certainly more commonplace than one might expect.
"Not once in his 68 appearances this year has he obtained more than three outs. He never has pitched with his team trailing, and only five times has he pitched with the game tied, and only seven times did he enter with a runner on," Verducci noted.
"Would you want to pay $15 million a year for a guy who doesn't pitch before the ninth inning (and) who has made the majority of his appearances with a lead of at least two runs in the ninth inning -- a comfort zone (in which) even average relievers will convert more than 90 percent?" asks Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci.
Verducci sees closers such as K-Rod as being not altogether exceptional, and certainly more commonplace than one might expect.
"Not once in his 68 appearances this year has he obtained more than three outs. He never has pitched with his team trailing, and only five times has he pitched with the game tied, and only seven times did he enter with a runner on," Verducci noted.
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Solomon Torres Leads All Since Named Closer
Left-handed reliever Solomon Torres -- named by the Brewers as the replacement for struggling closer Eric Gagne -- has notched 14 saves since assuming his new role on June 24, topping all other major league closers for the period except Angels fireballer Francisco Rodriguez, who also has 14.
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Doctor X -- the 'Baseball Medic' -- is an anonymous U.S. government trauma specialist with a Duke University sports medicine background and more than 20 years experience in emergency medicine. From time to time he considers MLB rumors, events and news reports as they pertain to baseball players' injuries, illnesses and various other disabilities, both on the field and off.
MLB Rumors editor Greg Fieg is a former sports news editor and award-winning writer whose bylines have appeared on the wires of the Associated Press and in numerous publications, including San Antonio Express-News, San Antonio Light, Houston Chronicle and Philadelphia Bulletin. He formerly was posted in various positions on the U.S.-Mexican border with Freedom Newspapers, and was a regular, independent contributor to United Press International.