"Francisco Rodriguez isn't the Mets' closer anymore, but he's got an idea who should have the job he left when the Mets traded him to Milwaukee last month - the same guy who is getting an audition of sorts now: Bobby Parnell.

"That kid has great stuff and I love him to death," Rodriguez said Friday night in his first appearance at Citi Field since the trade. "He shows up to the stadium to prove himself day in and day out.

"Unfortunately, he's not getting the job done. He's leaving the ball up, not making quality pitches when he needed to. He's getting hit around a little bit. The only way they are going to find out if he's capable is to throw him in the biggest situations and let him get experience.

"He has the tools, he has the mentality. He might have to get a little bit mean. He has to start busting people in and getting a little angry out there."

Rodriguez, meanwhile, is adjusting to life in Milwaukee and to a new role as John Axford's setup man. K-Rod is 2-0 with a 2.03 ERA in 14 appearances since the deal. But he still craves save chances, though he knows Axford (36 saves) is soaring.

Rodriguez was looking forward to returning to Flushing, complimenting his ex-teammates for sticking with him "in my struggles and my bad moments outside the field." He would not slam the door on a possible return as a free agent over the winter, though that seems unlikely."