EYE ON
Francisco Rodriguez, RHP, Angels
Background: Signed as a free agent in 1998, Rodriguez introduced himself to stardom with all the subtlety of a guitar riff. The Caracas kid with the bullwhip arm and ice water running through his veins mesmerized the Giants in the 2002 World Series with his ridiculous slider. It was the pitcher’s equivalent of Deadman’s Curve, breaking so abruptly that the hitter had no chance and everyone wondered how long K-Rod’s elbow would last.
What’s up: Rodriguez entered the weekend with 38 saves, a record before the all-star break. He projects to finish with 65, which would obliterate Bobby Thigpen’s high-water mark of 57 set in 1990.
What’s next: K-Rod wants to become Ka-ching Rod. He told the Los Angeles Times that he plans to file for free agency after the season. His point? The Angels had six years to lock him up, so why give them the chance now? This situation bears watching because of the money involved and possible roster ramifications. Rodriguez has no peer, leaving him in line for the richest relief contract ever. How does a four-year, $60 million deal sound? It’s not crazy, given what Francisco Cordero received last season and that Mariano Rivera set that bar at $15 million per season. Money is not an issue with owner Arte Moreno, but he must decide how the puzzle pieces fit together. If the Angels reward Rodriguez, can they still afford to pick up Vladimir Guerrero’s $15 million option?
Renck’s take: Investing in a closer long term is a risky venture (see Corpas, Manuel). It’s such a volatile role that most guys don’t last more than a couple of seasons. That said, Rodriguez belongs in that elite category with Rivera, Trevor Hoffman and Billy Wagner. He’s the ultimate exclamation point at the end of games, is just 26 and has had no major arm problems.
AT ISSUE
Midsummer Classic needs to make critical adjustments
What: The Bronx Zoo almost became a carnival Tuesday night. The American League and National League couldn’t break up or apart, engaging in a lovelorn 15-inning, nearly five-hour relationship. It was wonderful drama, save for the fact both teams were within one inning of running out of pitchers. Had the game gone into the 17th, which appeared a real possibility, Mets third baseman David Wright and Red Sox outfielder J.D. Drew were in line to pitch.
When: This needs to be fixed now. It wouldn’t require a state assembly or a taxpayer-approved referendum or ugly negotiations with the players union.
Renck’s take: There are simple solutions based on arms and schedules. The first is less dramatic. If a pitcher throws on the last day before the all-star break, he’s ineligible for the game. As such, they can call themselves all-stars, travel to the event, get free swag and watch from the bench as they are replaced by pitchers who can go. Just go down the players’ vote list and pick them off from there. But there must be 12 available pitchers. Not 12 pitchers — that’s what led to Phillies closer Brad Lidge getting warm six times Tuesday. Second, move the game to Wednesday and have baseball go completely dark on Thursday. There were only four games this season on Thursday, and besides, according to Team USA Olympic general manager Bob Watson, there’s talk of baseball taking a week off for the all-star break to help get major-leaguers into future Olympics. If the game were scheduled for Wednesday, guys who throw Sunday would be back in play. That would eliminate the indigestion of future All-Star Game pitching coaches. Said Rockies pitching coach Bob Apodaca, “Once they told us that we had to play the game to a conclusion, it was an uncomfortable feeling. We would have been out of pitching soon.”
THREE UP
1. Mets: Pitcher Mike Pelfrey hasn’t lost since May 26.
2. Red Sox: J.D. Who? Make that J.D. Drew, All-Star Game MVP.
3. Cubs: Lead the National League in on-base percentage and walks.
THREE DOWN
1. Rays: A seven-game skid into the break has some questioning if team is for real.
2. Nationals: The Gnats aren’t bugging anyone; Luis Ayala a huge disappointment.
3. Giants: When pitcher Barry Zito starts, the team is a staggering 5-14.
