K-Rod, Fuentes prices too steep for Mets?

November 29th, 2008, 8:05 pm · 4 Comments · posted by Earl Bloom, staff writer

It seems the sticker shock on free-agent closers Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Fuentes might be too much for the New York Mets, who really only need a closer for the short term because Billy Wagner is shelved for 2009.
The New York Times reports the Mets are exploring closer options via the trade route, checking out Jose Valverde, J.J. Putz, Bobby Jenks and Huston Street.
The Angels could likely use one of those guys but it’s doubtful they would bring back Jenks; Seattle likley won’t trade Putz within the division; and I have a hunch Scot Shields gets first crack at replacing K-Rod (pictured) anyway.
Call me crazy, but I always felt K-Rod would land in New York — but with the Yankees, as Mariano Rivera’s heir apparent. Yes, I believe a well-compensated Rodriguez could be a setup guy again and get the odd save when Rivera needs rest, for a year or two at least.
I seem to remember watching K-Rod pitch in a World Series in a supporting role. He has his 62-save season; he will have his money. And he can point to the sky after the eighth inning, further annoying opposing hitters no doubt.

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Angels 2009 projections

Player	Projection
Mike Napoli	.246/.351/.481
Jeff Mathis	.222/.288/.364
Kendry Morales	.274/.317/.430
Howie Kendrick	.304/.335/.440
Erick Aybar	.268/.309/.369
Chone Figgins	.278/.354/.367
Brandon Wood	.237/.295/.424
Maicer Izturis	.273/.343/.383
Juan Rivera	.273/.321/.453
Bobby Abreu	.282/.376/.440
Torii Hunter	.273/.331/.462
Vladimir Guerrero	.306/.369/.513
Gary Matthews, Jr	.260/.331/.402
Ervin Santana	3.87 ERA
John Lackey	3.82 ERA
Kelvim Escobar	3.93 ERA
Jered Weaver	3.94 ERA
Joe Saunders	4.24 ERA
Dustin Moseley	5.34 ERA
Brian Fuentes	3.33 ERA
Scot Shields	3.67 ERA
Jose Arredondo	3.75 ERA
Darren Oliver	4.01 ERA
Justin Speier	4.23 ERA
Kevin Jepsen	5.05 ERA

(These projections are an average of six common statistical forecasting systems. They are based on the players' previous performances, ages and, in some cases, physical characteristics.)

Craig says:

November 30, 2008 at 12:26 am

I can’t believe Angel fans & writers dog K-Rod? The guy has been truly amazing during his career with the Angels and always takes the ball. What more could you ask of a guy? Does he deserve to get paid market value for his services? Doesn’t everybody who consistently does their job day in and day out? Sometimes you just don’t realize how green your pasture really is until you go looking for a greener pasture and you come to a desert place instead. If the Angels let K-Rod go his production will surely be missed.

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david says:

November 30, 2008 at 10:18 am

i say let krod go, everyone always talks about him taking the ball and that he was so great, what about all those innings that he gave the game away to boston? i say go get someone that can save a game when it counts the most

mgonzo2u says:

November 30, 2008 at 9:35 pm

I give a big THANK YOU to K-Rod for time served to my Angels but my new saying for the Anaheim Angels (scrw u LA) save situation is, quality over quantity.

Beat Boston and get over the hump.

Matt says:

December 9, 2008 at 12:27 pm

K-Rod has become a “ME” first player where doing something for the team is out of the question … he cares only about saves and he strike out totals … goodbye …. CHANGE IS NEEDED ….

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