Francisco Rodriguez

From The Met Wiki

Age: 28 (born January 7,1982)

Position: Relief pitcher

Bats: Right Throws: Right

Number: 75

Acquired: Free agent offseason 2008-2009

Contract: 3-year, $37 million

Francisco Rodriguez also known as K-Rod turned 28 in January. He came to the Mets from the LA Angels in the offseason of 2008, he is the Mets new and improved closer, replacing Billy Wagner who will be out until at least August 2009, and may miss the entire season.

[edit] The LA Angels Years

K-Rod made his Major League debut in 2001 for the Angles as a relief pitcher. He was a playoff hero, winning five games in that postseason -- this is all before registering his first regular season victory.

As an Angels closer K-Rod has three MLB records:

- Youngest pitcher to reach 200 career saves

- Youngest pitcher to reach 50 saves in a season

- Most saves in a season

In each season since 2005 he recorded more than 40 saves with a ERA under 3.00. He led the AL in saves three times and is also a three-time All-Star. On June 11,2005 in a inter-league game against the Mets he gave up the game tieing inside the park homerun to Marlon Anderson.

[edit] Coming to New York

As was widely expected, the Mets signed K-Rod after the 2008 season. The three year, $37 million deal (with an option for the fourth year) was much less money than most thought the Mets would have to commit. He and J.J. Putz are expected to take care of the back of the bullpen for the Mets.

K-rod got the win in the The 20 inning game.

Later during the season. K-Rod was suspened from playing the game ever again for beating his father in law at Citi Field in the family area. It was the second game of the Rockies @ Mets series at Citi Field. Then a few days after that K-Rod ad thumb surgery and is out for the season.

His current contract states he can taken by any other team besides the Mets off waviers. He can also be released by the team and that will make him a free-agent.