Though this soap opera didn't take nearly as long as the Johan Santana courting of 2007-2008, the Mets and Francisco Rodriguez agreed to a three-year contract on Tuesday, much to the relief (get it?) of Mets fans.
My first thought: Well done, Omar Minaya.
Paul Kinzer, K-Rod's agent, had originally set the bar at five-years, $75 million. To get possibly the games best closer for three-years and $37 million (with a vesting option for a fourth year, worth $14 million) is a great job by Minaya & Co.
That makes it two years in a row he has gone out and landed his No. 1 free agent. Now if only the Mets could make the darn playoffs.
My second thought: The decreased velocity thing was overhyped.
How would you expect to sign a man coming off a year where he set the single season saves records for a lot less than he originally demanded? Make up stories about his arm.
Sure, it's a documented fact that he has lost a mile per hour or two off his fastball. Yes, he isn't throwing his slider as much as some may like. But he can still throw in the mid-90's consistently and has developed a changeup, which Torii Hunter called "The Equalizer."
If the Angels, or any other team for that matter, had wanted to sign K-Rod, they could leak a story about his arm and his velocity in a hope his price would come down and they could make a play for him. The Mets should find out today if everything is in working order, as Rodriguez is supposedly in New York (or en route) for his team physical before the signing is announced.
My third thought: Bring on the celebrations!
K-Rod is exciteable, there is no doubt about that. If you've never seen him celebrate a save, just wait until you see what he does after making that final out. There's screaming, fist pumping and great facial expressions, all while usually in the crouch position.
If you have a problem with Jose Reyes' celebrationg (I'm looking at you, Philadelphia) then prepare for a whole other level of anger. K-Rod is one of the more brash, in-your-face type players in the MLB. When he beats you, he'll let you know about it. I'm just glad this guy is pitching for my team.
Finally: Great signing.
Even though he's yet to throw a pitch for the Mets (and will likely be hurt by June with this teams luck) this is a great signing. Minaya filled his biggest hole with the biggest free agent in that market. And he really didn't overpay, no matter what anyone tells you.
Minaya is slowly putting together what could be the right team to make a run at the World Series. There are still a few screws missing from this current team, but he's getting around to it all. Eventually.
