Francisco Rodriguez News: Pro Sports Daily

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July 14

Bergen Record

"Francisco Rodriguez needed a place to hide. He sought refuge in front of his locker, afraid to speak, afraid to wander the Angels' clubhouse. He had been warned: Don't talk. Don't move. Don't attract attention. Rodriguez had become a national sensation in 2002, coming from nowhere and earning the nickname "K-Rod" to help lead the Angels to the World Series title that October. But inside the Angels' clubhouse he was just a rookie, and, he says, resented by some of his teammates. "You come into a situation, a 20-year-old guy, and you make so much of an impact and grab all the attention from the media, the fans, everybody, that I felt like I was a distraction to the team," Rodriguez said. ..."

Franciso Rodriguez providing the kind of drama New York Mets would rather avoid

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July 9

The Times of Trenton

"He was so dominant for much of his first two and a half months in a Mets uniform that it became routine: K-Rod takes mound. K-Rod disposes of hitters. K-Rod points to sky. K-Rod hugs catcher. Ballgame. There were almost no surprises, no deviations from the script. Lately, though, Francisco Rodriguez has made the ninth inning a lot more interesting, providing the kind of drama the Mets signed him to avoid. He escaped with the save in Wednesday's 5-4 win over the Dodgers despite giving up a solo home run to Manny Ramirez and allowing two more runners to reach base. It was his first appearance since last Thursday, when he blew the save by surrendering a homer to Pittsburgh's Adam LaRoche ..."

Amazin'ly, 4 Mets Selected to Team

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July 6

New York Post

"The Mets defied logic yesterday by landing four invitations -- most in the entire National League -- to the July 14 All-Star Game in St. Louis. Despite sitting three games under .500 and four games back in the East, third baseman David Wright and center fielder Carlos Beltran were voted in as starters, while Johan Santana and closer Frankie Rodriguez were tabbed by NL manager Charlie Manuel of the Phillies. Beltran is on the disabled list indefinitely with a bone bruise and will not play, but Wright, Santana and K-Rod are eager for what will be the fourth All-Star berth for each. "It's an honor," said Santana, who is going for the first time since 2007. "I will try to do my best to help ..."

Wright, Beltran among Mets' four All-Stars

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July 5

MLB.com

"David Wright, the only member of the Mets' celebrated and decimated core to avoid assignment to the disabled list this season, almost certainly will be the only position player representing the Mets in the All-Star Game next week. Wright and center fielder Carlos Beltran have been elected to the starting lineup for the National League, and Wright will be at third base for the 80th edition of Major League Baseball's Midsummer Classic at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on July 14.But Beltran, assigned to the disabled list, is expected to forfeit his spot on the roster and continue rehabbing his bruised and aching right knee.With two of their pitchers, Johan Santana and Francisco Rodriguez, ..."

Mets' Francisco Rodriguez and Yankees' Brian Bruney close issues

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June 26

New York Daily News

"How do you say sorry when Yankee Stadium has everything but a Hallmark store? You send a clubhouse attendant to do your bidding, of course. That's apparently how Yankees reliever Brian Bruney smoothed things over with Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez after the two had to be separated at Yankee Stadium before the finale of the first installment of the Subway Series. Last Sunday, a day after Bruney called K-Rod's animated celebrations "a tired act" and "embarrassing," Rodriguez confronted Bruney during batting practice and had to be restrained by a teammate as the two clashed in the outfield during batting practice. Later on, Bruney sent a clubhouse attendant over to the Mets' locker room ..."

K-Rod Fine Because He's Forgetful

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June 20

New York Post

columnist Jay Greenberg

"THE season is long, so memories have ample opportunity to become short . . . if you are the right guy. "You've got to be realistic," said Francisco Rodriguez, who as closer for a Mets team without its leadoff and cleanup hitters and two middle-of-the-rotation starters is getting first-hand experience in the art of realism. "Unfortunately, it's going to happen." Thursday night in Baltimore, Rodriguez had his first real blown save out of 18 opportunities with the Mets (not counting the Luis Castillo disaster last week at Yankee Stadium), walking two Orioles and not getting the second out before Aubrey Huff beat him with a bases-loaded single. The only command Rodriguez had was of his media ..."

War of the Words

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June 15

Philadelphia Inquirer

"The New York Yankees spent a weekend embroiled in controversy. Ho-hum and welcome to the world's media capital, eh? While one of their relievers (Brian Bruney) was squabbling with a Mets counterpart (Francisco Rodriguez), Yanks manager Joe Girardi was going after Red Sox starter Brad Penny. All this and baseball, too? What a country. Penny yesterday denied Girardi's accusations that he deliberately hit Alex Rodriguez with a pitch. A-Rod was hit in the back in the first inning Thursday night at Fenway Park, prompting umpires to warn both teams. "He needs to worry about managing and let the league and the umpires take care of their job and he can take care of his," Penny said, dismissing ..."

K-Rod-Bruney feud continues

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June 15

Toronto Sun

"Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez definitely knows who Brian Bruney is now. Rodriguez shouted at the New York Yankees reliever during batting practice yesterday and the two were separated by teammates one day after they exchanged pointed jabs through the media. Bruney called Rodriguez's exuberant celebrations on the mound a "tired act," and K-Rod said he didn't know who the injured right-hander was before advising him to "keep his mouth shut." "To me, it's incredible that this is a big story," Bruney said after the Yankees' 15-0 victory over the Mets. "They're a great team and he's a great player. I'm sure he's not concerned about what I think. He just had some things to say." K-Rod ..."

Mets Need More Of Frankie's Fire

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June 15

New York Post

columnist Kevin Kernan

"JUST call him K-O-Rod. Frankie Rodriguez was looking for a fight yesterday, finding chirpy Brian Bruney after the Yankees reliever made his silly, out-of-left-field comments about K-Rod. After K-Rod dropped a few choice words on Bruney in left field during batting practice, Yankees reliever Jose Veras and Mets starter Mike Pelfrey stepped in to keep K-Rod away from Bruney. Too bad K-Rod's teammates didn't bring the same intensity to the small ballpark in The Bronx. The Mets were bludgeoned 15-0 by the Yankees, the worst beating in Subway Series history. If this were a fight, they would have stopped it early as the Yankees scored nine runs against Mets ace Johan Santana. It's time for the ..."

Yankees reliever Brian Bruney and K-Rod Arguement

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June 15

New York Daily News

"The most passion that any Met was able to muster Sunday came from closer Francisco Rodriguez, who never pitched in the Yankees' 15-0 rout. A day after injured Yankee reliever Brian Bruney ripped K-Rod - during a rehab stint in Trenton - Rodriguez confronted Bruney at the end of the Yankees' batting practice, when the Met pitchers were beginning to stretch in left field. After asking teammates to identify Bruney - K-Rod had said Saturday that "I don't even know who the guy is" - Rodriguez shouted at Bruney, gestured at him and had to be restrained by teammate Mike Pelfrey. "I saw (Rodriguez) walking with attitude and asking guys, 'Who is it? Is that him?' The next thing you know ..."

A Dispute Continues, Then Bruney Apologizes

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June 15

New York Times

"If the Mets' Francisco Rodriguez and the Yankees' Brian Bruney keep quarreling, Vince McMahon might try to schedule them as the main event for his next wrestling showcase. The Bruney-Rodriguez squabble continued Sunday as the pitchers had to be separated before the game. Rodriguez and Bruney were in left field when a perturbed Rodriguez got within inches of Bruney, pointed at his face and barked at him. Bruney did not appear to react to Rodriguez's words or actions. After the Yankees' Jose Veras and the Mets' Mike Pelfrey helped steer the players away from each other, Rodriguez confronted Bruney again. Bruney said he had hoped to apologize for critical remarks he had made about Rodriguez ..."

K-Rod, Bruney In War of Words

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June 14

New York Post

"Francisco Rodriguez offered a stinging rebuke to the out-of-nowhere criticism from injured Yankees reliever Brian Bruney following the Mets' 6-2 win yesterday. K-Rod scoffed at Bruney, calling him a "nobody" and daring the Yankee to confront him face-to-face when the Subway Series moves to Citi Field later this month. "Instead of sending a message through the paper, next time when he sees me at Citi Field, come up to me and say it to my face," Rodriguez said. "Don't be sending a message through the media. "I don't even know who that guy is. Somewhere in Double-A? I believe he hasn't even pitched one full season. He's always been on the DL. That's all I know right now. He better keep his ..."

This Much Is Certain: K-Rod

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June 1

New York Post

columnist Mike Vaccaro

"THERE are few certainties in base ball, of course. Every buck-twenty hitter has a chance to bleed one through the hole. Sometimes an unknown kid named Hobbs can throw a speedball right past The Whammer by the side of the railroad tracks. It's the unknown that inspires so much poetry. This much we do know: If the Mets and the Marlins had played the game they played yesterday afternoon at any point in calendar year 2008, things would have ended much differently than they did yesterday. Yesterday, the record will show, the Mets won 3-2 after nearly blowing a 3-0 lead in the eighth. Last year -- April, June, especially September -- the Marlins would have won this game. You know it. The ..."

K-Rod 'Back' In Business

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May 25

New York Post

"Because of some potent medication, Mets closer Frankie Rodriguez made a lightning-fast recovery yesterday after Saturday night's scary postgame collapse from back spasms. Rodriguez walked into the clubhouse under his own power yesterday morning after being hospitalized briefly for the collapse in a Fenway Park hallway following the Mets' 3-2 win over the Red Sox. Rodriguez felt so good yesterday afternoon that he tried to talk Jerry Manuel into letting him pitch. Manuel didn't go along with it, but the manager said he would be open to using K-Rod as soon as tonight's opener of a three-game set at Citi Field against the Nationals."

Two Not Too Much For K-Rod

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May 13

New York Post

"As Francisco Rodriguez's first inning wasn't very taxing, and he hadn't pitched since last Thursday. So, as he said, he "was fresh." K-Rod was as fresh as a daisy last night -- or as fresh as a Papelbon or a Rivera. The Mets closer fired two innings of scoreless relief in the Amazin's 4-3 10-inning win over the Braves, the first time he's logged two innings in, incredibly, three years. Thanks to his effort, Rodriguez picked up his first Mets win to go with his nine saves. "I would rather get my save," he said. "When you get a win, you have to throw an inning-plus." K-Rod was joking, but his stamina has been one of the most impressive things about him. Not only did he go a strong two ..."

Frankie Relieving Amazin's Agita

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May 8

New York Post

columnist Joel Sherman

"FRANCISCO Rodriguez spent the past four days doing his darnedest to slay ghosts. He registered saves four straight days, which is nice. That the first two were in Atlanta and the last two were against Philadelphia only makes it all the nicer. During this run, he had to retire Chipper Jones as the final out with the tying and winning runs on base, and last night the last batter was Jimmy Rollins as the tying run. Have any two men tormented the Mets more in recent years? Rodriguez also had to preserve a 1-0 win for Johan Santana, who again was hardly supported at all. Envision all these scenarios once again. In Atlanta. Against Chipper. Protecting Santana. Against Rollins. This essentially ..."

K-Rod Shaky

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April 25

New York Post

"Francisco Rodriguez had been brilliant thus far this season. Last night was a bit rockier. K-Rod managed to save the Mets' 4-3 win over the Nationals at Citi Field, but he also surrendered a pair of runs on Jesus Flores' two-run homer in the ninth. That was the first time this year -- and first time in his Mets' career -- that Rodriguez given up even an extra-base hit, let alone a homer or a run. Nevertheless, Rodriguez recovered to polish off the final three hitters of the night. He's a perfect 4-for-4 in saves this season. "I hear that's his history. I hear he's a tightrope guy, and he made it a tightrope game," manager Jerry Manuel said. "But for not having been on the mound for the ..."

Frankie-Stein Gets Job Done On Fright Night

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April 9

New York Post

columnist Mike Vaccaro

"Off the bat, manager Jerry Manuel could feel his heart leap. "This is a pretty small ballpark," the Mets manager said. "You're always a little worried when the ball is in the air." Scattered throughout Great American Ballpark, the remains of 13,568 people gasped. It sure looked good to them. It sure seemed as if Laynce Nix had squared a Frankie Rodriguez fastball, sending it soaring toward the blue Geico sign in right-center field. At that moment, three Reds were circling the basepaths, watching the flight of the ball. And so was Rodriguez. Who may have been the only one who wasn't worried. "I know what a home run sounds like," K-Rod would say, calmly, maybe 20 minutes later, slathering ..."

With Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz, Omar Minaya delivers revamped bullpen for Mets

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April 8

New York Daily News

"Omar Minaya knew it would be difficult to bring Aaron Heilman and Scott Schoeneweis back to New York in 2009, given the likely fan response the first time they imploded. The GM, however, did not expect a complete bullpen overhaul, in which aside from Pedro Feliciano, the entire relief corps had thrown just 38-1/3 innings in a Mets uniform entering Opening Day. The Mets ranked second in blown saves in 2008 with 29, trailing only the Cardinals, who had 31, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Still, Minaya said, he never planned to trade sidearmer Joe Smith during the winter. Nor did the GM arrive at spring training thinking Duaner Sanchez wouldn't be part of the '09 bullpen. But Smith ..."

K-Rod Works Out Of Jam In First Appearance

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March 28

New York Post

"If last night was any indication, Francisco Rodriguez is going to be a wild ride for Mets fans. The team's new All-Star closer made his first Grapefruit League appearance with the Amazin's in the eighth inning against the Nationals, and K-Rod didn't disappoint. He was far from boring, either, putting runners on the corners with none out in a two-run game before striking out the next two hitters and getting out of trouble with a soft bouncer to third. "Right now, my delivery and mechanics are where they need to be," said Rodriguez, whose Grapefruit League debut was delayed by the World Baseball Classic. "I'm ready to start the season now." Manger Jerry Manuel didn't mind Rodriguez getting ..."

K-Rod unaware of 'team to beat' banter with Phillies, doesn't back down

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February 16

New York Daily News

"A day after declaring the Mets the "team to beat," Francisco Rodriguez insisted he hadn't been aware of the previous banter with the Phillies involving that phrase. "I was in a different league," K-Rod said. "I had no idea that happened last year, or the year before." Still, K-Rod didn't back down. "I'm not trying to make any ballclub offended in our division or the National League," he said. "That's the opinion of me as a player. I'm just giving it." If you notice K-Rod with glowing red eyes, by the way, don't worry. He prefers contact lenses with a red hue, rather than tinted prescription goggles, to reduce glare. OH, BROTHER: Livan Hernandez said free-agent half-brother Orlando ..."

K-Rod's eyes are real sight

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February 16

New York Post

"New Mets closer Frankie Rodriguez arrived in camp here yesterday looking like some character in a zombie movie. K-Rod was sporting unusual contact lenses that created a bright red circle around his irises that was more than a little disconcerting to teammates and observers alike. Rodriguez explained the look by saying the lenses act as sun shields, making it unnecessary to wear his shades. He didn't say if he planned to wear the contacts on the mound as a Met after ditching his trademark goggles in Anaheim last year. "It's like you have sunglasses on," he said. "I don't like wearing glasses." * A relaxed Johan Santana threw another bullpen session here yesterday, increasing his pitch ..."

K-Rod: Mets are team to beat

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December 14

New York Post

"Francisco Rodriguez didn't waste any time jumping into the middle of the Mets-Phillies rivalry. The Mets' new $37 million closer shrugged off the Mets' September collapses the past two seasons and the Phillies' freshly minted World Series crown by declaring the Mets "the team to beat" in the NL East in 2009. Take that, Jimmy Rollins. "Of course we're going to try to win the division," K-Rod said in conference call yesterday. "Of course we're going to be the front-runner. Of course we're going to be the team to beat. "I don't want to be controversial or [have] the other ballclubs in that division take it personally or take it in a bad way. I'm a really competitive guy, and I like to win. Of ..."

Mets' new closer K-Rod fires back at Phillies

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December 14

New York Daily News

"Franciso Rodriguez looks like a perfect fit for the Mets in their rivalry with the Phillies. After Cole Hamels blasted the Mets this past week as "choke artists," the Mets' new closer fired back Saturday. "Of course, we're going to try to win the division. Of course, we're going to be the front-runner. Of course, we're going to be the team to beat," he said in a conference call from Venezuela. "I don't want there to be a controversy or the other ballclubs in the division to take it personally or take it in a bad way. "If they ask me which ballclub is going to win the National League East, it's going to be the Mets. Easy question." Philadelphia shortstop Jimmy Rollins first turned up the ..."

K-Rod Might Rock Mo-Town

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December 11

New York Post

"There are now two elite closers in New York, but is the town big enough for both Mariano Rivera and new Met Francisco Rodriguez? K-Rod comes with fastball, change-up, slurve and a reputation for sometimes irritating folks both on the other team and his own. Apparently that extends to Rivera, who celebrates saves rather placidly compared to the gyrations that accompany the final out with Rodriguez. Yankee Stadium hosted the All-Star Game last year and, according to a source, Rivera had just one request: Do not put Rodriguez's locker anywhere near his. Omar Minaya actually said he considered K-Rod the second best closer in the majors behind Rivera. There are probably pretty good arguments ..."

Mets add Seattle's J.J. Putz, two others; K-Rod gets physical in NYC

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December 11

New York Daily News

"Obtaining one closer apparently isn't enough for the Mets. On the day Francisco Rodriguez passed his physical, GM Omar Minaya swung a deal for Mariners reliever J.J. Putz in a three-team deal involving Cleveland, sources told the Daily News. The Mets are sending Aaron Heilman and Double-A first baseman Mike Carp to the Mariners and Joe Smith to the Indians, who will send right fielder Franklin Gutierrez to Seattle. The Mets are also getting Seattle reliever Sean Green and outfielder Jeremy Reed in the deal. Putz is a high-priced setup man, since he's owed $5 million in '09 and has a team option for 2010 at $8.6 million with a $1 million buyout. The 31-year-old righthander went 6-5 with a ..."

Angels weren't really close on Francisco Rodriguez

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December 10

Los Angeles Times

"Manager Mike Scioscia said Francisco Rodriguez "is as good a closer as there is in the game," but the Angels made virtually no attempt this winter to retain the right-hander, who on Tuesday agreed to a three-year, $37-million deal with the New York Mets. Rodriguez, 26, burst onto the scene in September 2002, a precocious 20-year-old whose electric arm helped key the Angels' World Series run. Six years, 208 saves and numerous contract offers later, Rodriguez is gone, leaving a record-setting 62-save season in his wake. "Our priorities change from month to month, year to year, and there are some important things that I know Tony [Reagins, general manager] needs the flexibility to pursue," ..."

Mets need more help than just K-Rod to fix this mess

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December 10

New York Daily News

columnist John Harper

"Jerry Manuel arrived here just in time for the Francisco Rodriguez news, and his face told you just how much this deal means to the Mets. Was it any wonder that the manager looked 10 years younger than he did during those dark days of September when he had nightmares about the ninth inning? "The word on the street is goooood," Manuel said with a laugh, stretching out the word for effect, knowing the Mets aren't announcing anything until K-Rod passes a physical. "It's just the word on the street, but it's goooood." Yes, the Mets are hoping they hit the jackpot here in Vegas, and they deserve kudos for this deal, signing the best available closer on their terms, three years and $37 million, ..."

Mets close to 3-year deal for K-Rod

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December 9

SI.com

"The Mets appear on the verge of simultaneously interrupting a sluggish baseball market and solving their biggest winter issue. They are closing in on a deal to sign star free-agent closer Francisco Rodriguez. The deal, which is expected to be consummated very soon, is said to be for about $37 million over three years. "It's going to get done,'' said a person familiar with the talks. It almost had to. The Mets badly needed a big-time closer to replace injured star Billy Wagner and anchor what was one of the worst bullpens ever attached to a contender. To accomplish their goal, they focused on K-Rod as their closer of choice over the past couple weeks. The Mets showed they meant business on ..."

Francisco Rodriguez isn't drawing a lot of interest Associated Press New York Yankees second baseman Joe Gordon, photographed on September 11, 1943, was elected to the Hall of Fame by a veterans committee.

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December 9

Los Angeles Times

"Remember that three-year, $34-million offer closer Francisco Rodriguez rejected from the Angels in 2007? It's looking pretty good now. Rodriguez was hoping to cash in on his major league-record 62-save season with a five-year, $75-million deal, but the free-agent right-hander left the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas on Monday with only one firm offer, from the New York Mets, for a reported two years and $24 million. "He just broke the saves record, yeah he's disappointed," agent Paul Kinzer said when asked how Rodriguez felt about negotiations. "He's a year late." Said Rodriguez: "We're open to any discussions with anyone who wants to talk." The Mets also met with closer Brian Fuentes, and ..."

Mets offer K-Rod two-year deal

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December 9

New York Daily News

"The Mets played hardball with Francisco Rodriguez Sunday. Or lowball. The Daily News has learned that the Mets' initial offer to K-Rod during a Sunday night meeting was for two years at less than $24 million. That was presumed to be just a starting point for negotiations, though Mets officials appeared confident they would not have to extend beyond a three-year offer because they couldn't identify a serious competitor. Mets officials met Monday with free-agent closer Brian Fuentes, and were scheduled to meet with Trevor Hoffman last night. They also have interest in Kerry Wood, though GM Omar Minaya suggested no meeting had yet been arranged. Minaya acknowledged multiple offers have been ..."

Mets GM Minaya meets with K-Rod

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December 8

ESPN.com

"Francisco Rodriguez met with the New York Mets on the eve of the winter meetings, and pitchers Darren Oliver and David Weathers took themselves off the free-agent market by accepting arbitration offers from their former clubs before Sunday night's deadline. Coming off a record-setting season for the Los Angeles Angels, Rodriguez came to Las Vegas and got together with New York general manager Omar Minaya. The Mets are looking for a closer following elbow surgery on Billy Wagner, who likely will miss all of next season. K-Rod set a major league record with 62 saves last season, and his agent has talked about seeking a five-year deal worth about $65 million. But it is questionable whether ..."

Omar heads to Vegas for closer

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December 7

New York Post

"What has been a glacial offseason for the Mets should pick up speed at the Winter Meetings. GM Omar Minaya might not come back from Las Vegas with his pressing need for a closer resolved, but Minaya is likely to make headway before the meetings end Thursday. Minaya is expected to meet with the agents for free-agent closers Francisco Rodriguez, Brian Fuentes, Kerry Wood and Trevor Hoffman while in Las Vegas. He possibly will make offers to the first three, with the 41-year-old Hoffman serving as a stopgap candidate if none of the three jumps at the Mets' proposal. "I'm looking forward to talking to Omar [in Las Vegas] because New York's a good platform for Frankie and he would be a good fit ..."

Vegas next stop in Mets' closer hunt

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December 2

New York Post

"The next step in the Mets' slow-moving search for a new closer looks like it will come at next week's winter meetings. Free-agent closer Brian Fuentes plans to be in Las Vegas to speak with Met GM Omar Minaya, his agent told The Post yesterday. Fuentes then hopes to visit New York and tour Citi Field if the initial meeting goes well. Meanwhile, at yesterday's deadline, the Mets offered arbitration only to Oliver Perez from their list of 11 eligible veterans. Minaya notably declined to offer arbitration to Pedro Martinez, yet another sign Martinez' stint in Queens is over. Perez, a Scott Boras client, is virtually certain to decline the arbitration offer and become a free agent, because he ..."

Mets have choice of either K-Rod or Fuentes

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November 19

Newsday

"The Mets have many goals and many choices in this baseball offseason, but as they take in the lay of the land now, they think they know this: Acquiring a closer will be first on their list of accomplishments. They will sign either Francisco Rodriguez or Brian Fuentes to be their closer. Whom they sign will depend on the contract terms. The free-agent market on closers has diminished to where the Mets, the only big-market team looking for an elite reliever, should have their pick of either K-Rod or Fuentes, the top two available options. Though clubs such as Milwaukee and Texas will be shopping for a closer, as well, the struggling economy has limited many clubs' budgets. Mets officials ..."

Mets' offer to Francisco Rodriguez not in place just yet

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November 18

Newsday

"Francisco Rodriguez was not in New York over the weekend, as indicated by that erroneous report out of Venezuela, but he could be here in a matter of days after the Mets sift through his medical information. The same is true for Brian Fuentes, as general manager Omar Minaya works toward packaging offers for the top two free-agent closers on the market. But Minaya remains in no hurry, and despite early indications that he could have offers in place by the end of this week, it now appears that may take a little longer. As one person familiar with the situation explained yesterday, the process is more involved than what the Yankees did in their quick-strike efforts with CC Sabathia. The Mets ..."

Mets expected to make offers soon

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November 17

Newsday

"The Mets' true offseason strategy will reveal itself this week when general manager Omar Minaya finally extends offers to his top free-agent targets. A person familiar with the situation did not specify which day Minaya will deliver the numbers to Francisco Rodriguez or Brian Fuentes. He also could make an offer to starting pitchers such as Derek Lowe. That represents a significant step, considering that the Mets have talked about a number of different options - including a trade for the White Sox's Bobby Jenks - in order to fill their vacant closer slot. But now that Minaya is ready to talk years and dollars, it appears that his preference is to see where the free-agent market goes first. ..."

K-Rod: Mets 'Good Fit'

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November 13

New York Post

"K-Rod is looking to pitch in the same town as A-Rod. The Mets will have a new closer next season, and Francisco "K-Rod" Rodriguez wants to be the guy who fills their most pressing need when free agency starts at midnight tonight. Fresh off a record-setting 62 saves for the Angels, the 26-year-old All-Star right- hander will vie with the Rockies' Brian Fuentes for the attention of general manager Omar Minaya as the Mets look to replace Billy Wagner, who will miss the entire 2009 season because of Tommy John surgery. Minaya is keeping his plans close to the vest, but a person familiar with the team's thinking said the Mets will pursue a closer right out of the gate in free agency, with ..."

K-Rod tops list of 19 more to test market

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November 4

MLB.com

"Major League saves leader Francisco Rodriguez heads a list of 19 players who filed for free agency on Monday. Rafael Furcal, Edgar Renteria and Omar Vizquel, a trio of shortstops with a combined nine All-Star Game selections, also filed, raising the free agent pool to 149. Coming off a historic 62-save season at age 26, Rodriguez is expected to be among the most coveted free agents on the market this winter, along with Mark Teixeira, Manny Ramirez and CC Sabathia. Visibly distraught when the season ended for his team at Boston's Fenway Park in a 3-2 loss in Game 4 of the American League Division Series, Rodriguez expressed how difficult it would be to leave the only organization he has ..."

K-Rod files for free agency

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November 4

Sports Network

"Francisco Rodriguez was one of 19 players that filed for free agency Monday. "K-Rod" will likely command a substantial contract after arguably the single greatest season by a reliever. Rodriguez, 26, recorded a single-season record 62 saves for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim a season ago with a 2.24 earned-run average. He finished with seven blown saves in 76 appearances. In seven seasons -- all with the Angels -- the right-hander is 23-17 with 208 saves and a 2.35 ERA in 408 career appearances. The Los Angeles Dodgers' Rafael Furcal was among three veteran shortstops filing free agent papers on Monday. An injured back cost Furcal a majority of the 2008 season, but when healthy, the ..."

Rodriguez is left speechless

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October 4

Boston Globe

"After the Angels dropped Game 1 of this best-of-five American League Division Series, Torii Hunter addressed the media and expressed his desire "to bring the dog out" of his teammates in an attempt to snap a 10-game playoff losing streak against the Red Sox. And so, when the Angels rallied from a 4-0 first-inning deficit to tie it at 5 in the bottom of the eighth, there was no one better qualified to keep the status quo than Francisco Rodriguez, the top dog of the Angels' bullpen who had recorded a Major League-leading 62 saves during the regular season. So when K-Rod faced J.D. Drew with one on and one out in the top of the ninth, the Angels liked their chances. "I mean, you got to like ..."

Could be goodbye for Angels closer Rodriguez

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September 30

L.A. Daily News

"Pitching in the postseason for the Angels in 2002 is where Francisco Rodriguez made a name for himself. Pitching in this postseason is potentially the place that Rodriguez ultimately says goodbye to Angels fans. In a scenario that usually torments the small-income clubs, the Angels might find it necessary to bid farewell to a player who grew beyond their means. Rodriguez set a major-league record with 62 saves, but he also has a contract that expires and is poised to land the fattest deal ever for a reliever. In any other season it might not be a problem, but this offseason the Angels will be challenged with a number of personnel decisions that stem from expiring contracts. Garret ..."

To solve Mets' bullpen problem, bid for K-Rod

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September 29

Newsday

columnist Ken Davidoff

"In a Mets clubhouse that emitted a mix of shock and deja vu, Scott Schoeneweis redefined "morose." Yesterday's losing pitcher wore the most pained of expressions as he staggered from his locker to Jerry Manuel's office, planted himself on a couch and stared into space. A few minutes passed before Omar Minaya entered, accepted Schoeneweis' hug and apology, and explained that Manuel already had left the ballpark. As the Mets head home early once again, coming up short in a 4-2 heartbreaker to Florida while CC Sabathia led the Brewers to a 3-1 victory over the Cubs to get the National League wild card, they somehow must find a way to avoid a third straight - yes, some of you might contend ..."

MVP awards are no easy pickings

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September 28

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"When the big baseball awards are announced after the season, there are going to be some predictable winners. And then there are going to be the MVPs. It's not too hard to figure out that Chicago's Geovany Soto will probably win the National League Rookie of the Year award. Cliff Lee is the likely American League Cy Young Award winner. As for the most valuable players? It's anyone's guess. I can't remember a recent year in which going into the last weekend there were so many viable candidates and so few clear-cut choices. Take the AL. Josh Hamilton was the favorite at the midway point of the season, but his numbers tailed off after the All-Star break. That was about the time Chicago's ..."

Rodriguez should finish second in AL Cy Young race

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September 21

San Francisco Chronicle

columnist John Shea

"Meanwhile, in the other Cy Young Award race ... Angels manager Mike Scioscia, during his visit to Oakland last week, was pushing Francisco Rodriguez for the AL award, saying, "Historically, closers have to have an incredible year to win, and I believe this is an incredible year." Yes it is. Just not as incredible as Cliff Lee's. Rodriguez has a record 60 saves, but don't expect Cy Young love. It's expected to go to Lee, who at 22-2 has the highest single-season winning percentage (.917) for any pitcher throwing 175 or more innings. The last AL closer to win a Cy Young was Dennis Eckersley (1992), who said recently Lee is more deserving than Rodriguez. Eck said K-Rod is more of an MVP ..."

A's bask in glow of a KO of K-Rod

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September 18

Contra Costa Times

"The unpredictable happened Wednesday night when A's closer Brad Ziegler coughed up a one-run lead in the top of the ninth. The unbelievable happened when the A's scored two runs on Francisco Rodriguez's throwing error in the bottom of the ninth for a crazy 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels that extended Oakland's winning streak to four games. Just another chapter in an A's-Angels rivalry that usually is tightly contested and often bizarre. "We came in with confidence against them," A's first baseman Daric Barton said. "There's no place that's better to win than against K-Rod in the bottom of the ninth." Ziegler blew his first save opportunity in 10 chances when he allowed Mark ..."

Not much love, but a whole lot of respect

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September 16

San Francisco Chronicle

"Francisco Rodriguez isn't all that popular in the A's clubhouse. The Angels' closer has irked the team on occasion with his posturing after wins. The A's have nothing but admiration for Rodriguez's recent accomplishment, though. He comes to the Coliseum tonight with the all-time single-season record for saves with 58. "He's respected," Oakland reliever Huston Street said. "Give him credit for getting it done and for staying healthy for the whole season. That's a lot of opportunities, and that means he's used a lot of pitches. "Not everyone agrees with his whole post-party celebration, but I'm pretty sure he has the respect of the league, and this is something for him to be congratulated ..."