In Lyle Spencer - mlb.com article, according to Paul Kinzer, agent for Francisco 'K-Rod' Rodriguez, "Frankie can still throw 96, 97 [mph] any time he wants to.”
He claims that Rodriguez purposely reduced the velocity of his fastball to make his change-up better. When he was throwing in the high 90 MPH range, he claims that K-Rods change-up was like a batting practice fastball. Continuing, Kinzer cites, “In the last series the Angels had against the Mariners, Frankie threw 96, 96, 97 to strike out Raul Ibanez [leading off the ninth inning]. After the game, Frankie laughed and said, 'See? I told you so.'
Kinzer says that Rodriguez is interested in the Mets, but still hasn't closed the door on the Angels, the team that drafted him 10 years ago out of Venezuela. According to Angels owner Arte Moreno, the Angels have removed themselves from the K-Rod sweepstakes, after making six offers to extend his contract over the past year. Kinzer still believes “...that door's still open.”
As to whether Rodriguez can handle the pressure of NY, mainly Flushing, Kinzer believes he can - "He loves pitching on the big stage. New York wouldn't faze him. He's always enjoyed pitching there with the Angels."
As for injury problems, Rodriguez has been very durable, only being on the 15 day DL once, for a right forearm strain in 2005.
Is this grandstanding by Kinzer to get his client the best deal possible? Of course it is. As long as the Mets are in the mix, K-Rod's price and years on the contract will remain high. From what we have heard here at 24 Hours From Suicide...A Day In The Life Of A Met Fan – the Mets are still interested in K-Rod. The Mets are in dire need of a closer, since Billy Wags will be disabled all of next year due to Tommy John surgery on his left, pitching, elbow.
Tread these waters cautiously Omar, we don't need another
Luis Castillo contract.
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