Las Vegas, NV (My Sportsbook) - The New York Mets have reportedly signed right-handed reliever Francisco Rodriguez to a three-year deal. The New York Post is reporting that the contract is worth $37 million with a vesting option for a fourth season which would pay him $14 million. New York was in desperate need of a closer with Billy Wagner expected to be sidelined for most, if not all, of 2009. Not to mention the Mets' bullpen tied a franchise record with 29 blown saves, including 16 after the All-Star break. Rodriguez, a three-time All-Star, set the single-season saves record this past year, saving 62 games for the AL West champion Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He was also 2-3 with a 2.24 earned run average, while striking out 77 batters in 68 1/3 innings. Since assuming the closer's role from Troy Percival in 2005, Rodriguez has saved 40 or more games for the Angels in each of the last four years. Rodriguez burst upon the scene late in the 2002 campaign for the Angels, pitching in five games for them down the stretch. However, he thrived in the postseason that year, going 5-1, while surrendering four earned runs and striking out 28 in 18 2/3 innings. |
