Knuckle Curve » bobby thigpen

Francisco Rodriguez Returns to the Mets

Stephen Kersey — Mon, 25 May 2009 07:21:20 +0000

A day after Francisco Rodriguez was sent to the hospital due to back spasms, the New York Mets closer was back with the team. Although it is currently unknown when he’ll be able to pitch again for the Mets, it appears as if Rodriguez has avoided serious injury.

Francisco Rodriguez, New York Mets (Image: Zuma Press)

When he originally got hurt, it appeared as if Rodriguez’s injury could be serious. The closer says that he couldn’t walk after his legs locked up. Mets medical personnel decided to take Rodriguez to the hospital via an ambulance.

Said Rodriguez: “That was scary. I’ve never felt anything like that.”

The Mets also had to be a bit scared, especially considering they signed him to a $37 million contract during the offseason. Rodriguez earned the big bucks after breaking Bobby Thigpen’s record for most saves in a season.

So far, New York has to be happy with how he has performed on the mound. He’s converted all 12 of his save opportunities and has a tiny 0.87 ERA over a span of 20 games.

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Brian Fuentes Signed by Los Angeles Angels

Stephen Kersey — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 03:02:19 +0000

After losing closer Francisco Rodriguez to the New York Mets in free agency, the Los Angeles Angels found their new closer when they signed Brian Fuentes. Fuentes, who spent the last seven seasons with the Colorado Rockies, signed a two-year deal.

The total value of the contract is believed to be approximately $17.5 million. There’s also a potential third year of the deal that will be enacted based on performance.

Fuentes will definitely have big shoes to fill. Last season, Rodriguez set a Major League Baseball record with 62 saves. He broke the record previously held by Bobby Thigpen of the Chicago White Sox.

The good news for the Angels is that Fuentes should be up for the challenge. Last season with Colorado, Fuentes had a 2.73 ERA to go along with 30 saves and 82 strikeouts in 62.2 innings. It was his fourth straight season with at least 20 saves.

Fuentes will join a solid group of relievers in Los Angeles that includes players such as Scot Shields, Jose Arredondo and Darren Oliver.

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Francisco Rodriguez Video – Saves Record

Stephen Kersey — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 05:03:55 +0000

Francisco Rodriguez is now the all-time single season leader for saves. The Los Angeles Angels owner got his 58th save on Saturday night to pass Bobby Thigpen. Thigpen had set the record while with the Chicago White Sox.

You can watch the video of Francisco Rodriguez getting his save in style with a strikeout against the Seattle Mariners. After the strikeout, Rodriguez celebrated by pointing to the heavens.

On the season, Rodriguez AKA K-Rod has been very good. To go along with his 58 saves, Rodriguez has a 2.38 ERA to go along with 58 strikeouts in less than 65 innings. On the season, he has only blown six saves.

The Angels were the first team to clinch a spot in the 2008 baseball postseason. The Torii Hunter video shoes just exactly how the Angels like to celebrate.

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