welcome K-Rod

Ok so we're all happy that the NL won the all-star game led by MVP Prince Fielder and then the real news dropped.

Brewers trade for Francisco Rodriguez

Whoa!!

Is it just me or did this come out of nowhere. Yes the Mets want no part of his 2012 option (more on that later) but 2 players to be named and we get a suitcase full of cash??

Wow.

I'm no expert on the farm teams but I can't come up with 2 names that wouldn't be worth adding K-Rod.

So why are the Mets dumping him??



Ok he's not the 2004-2008 version of K-Rod. He isn't going to get within sniffing distance of 62 saves ever again, but he had a shot at 40 again this year on a .500 Mets team. The Mets appear to be throwing in the towel a little early, they are only 2 1/2 games worse than the Brewers at the break but 7 1/2 out of a wild card spot.

Without any info yet on what we gave up let's look at what we got in K-Rod

The good:

194 saves in 4 years in Anaheim Los Angeles. (His career really took off after they moved to LA).

Career ERA 2.54, 3.16 this season after 2.20 last year. Kameron Loe is 4.50 this year remember.

He's on pace to hit over 2.0 WAR every year since 2004 minus 2009

13.00 K/BB in the World Series.....ok let's worry about that in October

The bad:

WHIP is at a career high despite walking less than his career number. That means a lot of hits given up, and on a bad defensive team that's going to be a problem.

His 2011 salary. $12+ million for this year luckily we only pay what he's still owed for this season. Pretty sure we paid for a certain pitcher that much for four years. We will not mention this pitcher's name.

His 2012 option. $17.5 million if he finishes 55 games (the Mets are not smart). Even though he's at 34 already don't expect this to happen. Melvin will be watching this number like a hawk. Even if he gets to close a few games and somehow makes it to 54 Mark Kotsay will close a game before Rodriguez hits 55.

Welcome to the Crew K-Rod!! Well done Doug Melvin.