By Jordan Long
The Philadelphia Phillies are taking a large gamble. They agreed to a minor league deal with relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez “K-Rod”. The base salary is $2.5 million if Rodriguez makes the 40-man roster and a chance to make $1.25 million more in incentives.
K-Rod was once the top closer in all of baseball. In 2008 when he was with Anaheim he had a career best 62 saves but had 7 blown saves. Rodriguez is 4th on the Major League Baseball All Time saves list with 437.
Last season was one to forget for Rodriguez. He had 7 saves in 28 games for the Detroit Tigers but blew 6 saves. He was not looking like the dominant pitcher he once was. Rodriguez had trouble with his command. K-Rod walked 11 batters while giving up 9 home runs, far too many. Rodriguez’s ERA was 7.82. His record was 2-5. The Tigers had no choice but to release him on June 23rd, 2017. Rodriguez didn’t appear in any more games.
K-Rod must pitch like he did back in 2016 when he had 44 saves and a record of 3-4 with an era of 3.24. Rodriguez needs to use spring training to work on his pitching location. If he starts striking out batters and the Phillies like what he brings to the table, then Rodriguez will be on the Major League club.
If he struggles, the Phillies need to make a decision on him. They could send him to Triple A to work on his pitching if he is willing to do that. Rodriguez would then have to be called up.
Luckily the Phillies didn’t give him a large contract. They won’t have to pay him that much if he fails to make the team. Hopefully for Rodriguez it works out with the Phillies. This may be his last chance to pitch in the Majors.
What do you think of the Philadelphia Phillies signing Francisco Rodriguez?
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