The news today was good for all parties—good for KRod, good for the Mets, and good for Met fans.
When Omar signed Francisco Rodriguez, most fans were justifiably pleased. He was young, had little injury history, had pitched for a title team and had lots of pennant race and postseason experience, had four years in a row with at least 40 saves, had just set the save record, and filled the team’s clearest and biggest need.
His contract, while generous, was far less than the numbers which had at first been thrown around, and after the performance of the team’s 2008 bullpen members down the stretch, KRod was a welcome addition.
All in all, at the time, it seemed like one of Omar’s better signings in all ways.
The last two years, of course, have thrown a few wrenches into that assessment.
KRod has been injured (after all, he is a Met, isn’t he?) and while he has been good, he has not been quite as good as had been hoped.
He also has shown, again and again, a quick temper and a penchant for losing it. His altercation with his girlfriend’s father showed unquestionably terrible judgment. Even if, as has been suggested, KRod’s mom was being disrespected, attacking anyone—especially a much older man—in the family area of one’s own stadium shows shocking lack of control and awareness.
Still, in today’s sports world, we must face the fact that Charles Barkley was right all those years ago—most of these guys are not role models. After a few years of success at the highest level of sports, they are extremely wealthy, coddled, sheltered, and isolated beings who almost always get exactly what they want. Saying things like “I’d be fired if I did that!” may be right, but could not be more irrelevant. In a world of sports hero-worship and supply and demand, people like KRod get away with things most of us do not.
Even clear violence like this—which, almost comically, resulted in yet another injury which ended KRod’s season—would almost certainly not have been enough to allow the Wilpons to void or downgrade KRod’s contract.
So what are we left with?
Despite the situation with all of the prohibited text messages, KRod seems to be doing the right thing. He has gone to anger management classes, repeatedly apologized, and accepted the loss of over $3 million for the missed part of 2010.
He will be back in 2011, and the cold, hard fact is that the Mets and KRod clearly need each other.
This team, despite the optimism felt by some, is almost certainly 1-2 years away from again being taken seriously in a very difficult division. The team will again have key players returning from injury, and will be counting very heavily on unproven youngsters to play many big roles. Pitching was the team’s strong suit in 2010, and, especially with Johan being out for an indeterminate time, every proven arm the squad can count on will be hugely important.
Enter KRod.
With or without the return of Takahashi and/or Feliciano, KRod will be massively important for this team next year. There figure to be many close games to save, if indeed the pitching promise of Dickey, Pelf, Niese, and Gee is fulfilled, and if the offense is even nearly as anemic as it was this year. We may see many 2-1, 3-1, 4-2, etc., types of games when the ninth inning rolls around, and a proven closer like KRod could make the difference between having a .500+ season or not.
In addition, KRod is facing the biggest controversy of his career and certainly will be booed by some at the outset. A few saves to start the year will quell most of this, and surely he will be motivated as never before to be healthy, to perform, and to behave.
Is this an ideal situation? Of course not. Will a successful season which makes KRod’s huge 2012 option a reality be a positive for this team? That is a huge question.
The feeling here is that, all things considered, this could all work out well for all parties. A good year from KRod could help this team make serious strides back toward contention. Should this occur, and if his option vests, then in 2012, we may have a team ready for contention, with a veteran closer who will only be 30 years old, heading into a walk year motivated to succeed.
While all parties would unquestionably have been far better off had KRod left the room in Citi that night to cool off without striking anyone, clearly lemonade can still be brewed here.
Let us hope that KRod’s words and actions of late are the true man, maturing and eager to put this outrageously inappropriate and ill-timed incident behind him.
46 comments
metsfan4decades
10/19/2010-7:35pm at 7:35 pm (UTC -4)
Nice, objective piece Kingman.
What KRod learns from this going forward remains to be seen. If he’s getting some help in controlling his temper and he can remain healthy for the next few years, I believe we’re better off with him than without him.
stickguy
10/19/2010-7:37pm at 7:37 pm (UTC -4)
Well, there are some fans posting that feel he has committed an unpardonable sin, and regardless of what the Union and/or the justive system does, he should be released if that is what it takes to remove him from the team.
Assuming though that is not a reasonable approach, then yes, in a vacuum, the Mets will be better on the field with him than without him.
The vacuum though comes into play in that we have no idea what they can convert him into via a trade. So, it is possible that they could move him, and actually end up a better (overall) team, with more payroll flexibility (at least in 2012).
So, I expect (hope?) that the next GM will consider him just 1 more potentially moveable piece of the puzzle.
I do believe though that the closer role is overrated for the most part, and that it rarely makes sense to spend a ton of money (or commit to a lot of years) for one out of 7 BP guys. Collect as many strong armed guys as you can, and who pitches the 9th will sort itself out. Plenty of “stud” closers have come out of virtually nowhere for teams, even during a season. many don’t last long, but that is the nature of relief pitching!
Hell, Taka is a perfect example of a guy having to step in unexpectedly and doing a fine job. And if K Rod gets traded, I am sure someone (like Taka, a parnell type, some minor league RP, or an older vet like say jenks or wood) will end up stepping into the role. Given how many saves are really cheesey anyway (pitcing 1 inning from the start, with a 2 or 3 run lead) it isn’t really that miraculous to find a guy to do the job. Or a few if needed.
metsfan4decades
10/19/2010-7:42pm at 7:42 pm (UTC -4)
Agree about the closer role being somewhat overrated anymore.
Outside of Mariano, there really has been no one the past decade who has consistently been lights out for any team in the 9th. I’m willing to bet the price starts going down for the closer role and we’ll see more teams even trying the match up game for the 9th as opposed to a defined closer.
metsfan4decades
10/19/2010-7:40pm at 7:40 pm (UTC -4)
Go Giants!.
You gotta love Steve Somers (WFAN).
I missed most of the Giant/Philly game due to a rather lengthy appointment for dental work (ugh).
In the car coming home the Shmooze is recapping the game as it’s headed to the bottom of the 7th. Talking about how Phillies had 3 opportunities and left men on – the last being the top of the 7th. Something about Victorino making the last out. Instead of the Flyin’ Hawaiin’ he refers to him as the ‘Pineapple Express’. HAHAHA.
He then starts discussing if this will be the last post season game Cole Hamels ever pitches. I’m thinking ‘what? what happened?’. Said it remains to be seen what Hamels says during the post game interview.
So did Hamels go storming off the mound coming out down by 3? Did he show his teammates up again, whining ’cause he didn’t get any run support?
Or was that the Shmooze’s sarcastic wrap up of Hamels pitching performance for the day?
Inquiring minds want to know….
hazmet
10/19/2010-7:44pm at 7:44 pm (UTC -4)
Probably playing off of Hamels getting hit by Cain. LOL – Smoozer is a classic and a sports treasure.
hazmet
10/19/2010-7:41pm at 7:41 pm (UTC -4)
Another fine read Mr. K. Nothing to disagree with the news today as it works well for all parties. The Mets made their point, saved a few dollars and K-Rod showed some form of contrition to mend his image and METaphorically push his orange & blue poker chips to the center of the table. Essentially stating, “I want to be here”. Whether that is truth or appearance to improve his marketability doesn’t really matter to me but it does show a maturity that he realized he needed to take a step to better manage his relationship with his current employer’s. He could have dug his heels in and played the strength of the union against management but he didn’t. I think this too will help reduce the boo-brigade for the start of the 2011 season since he took a hit and gave something back to try to get this behind him.
In regards to timing this is also nice to have this put behind and settled prior to a new GM taking the helm. Probably part of the timing and maybe part of a requirement for a Sandy Alderson to step in. Speculating for Sandy stating “You guys clear up this K-Rod mess I need to focus on baseball moves when I take over and I want no part of talking about that as my first piece of business”. In any case just good practice to get it done before the new guy is in charge.
Lastly, waived and well wished Kingman26 as I buzzed by Saratoga on the way south on the Northway this weekend. Great time of year up there, too bad it’s followed by all that snow.
stickguy
10/19/2010-7:47pm at 7:47 pm (UTC -4)
I completely forgot the phils were playing this afternoon until I saw a recap on spyder.
And MF, I will watch the news later. I imagine if Hamels had a temper tantrum, they will show it. ANd who knows, no guarantee that the Phils make the playoffs next year. And if the wheels fall off, it could be a while before they do again (asusming all the age catches up to them at 1 time).
I also saw this comment on the MLB.com recap. Absolutely love the contrast between the dudes pretentious screen name, and his trhowing in the towel at 2-1 in the series!
************************************
PHILS2010WSCHAMPS wrote:
Im going to be the first philly fan to give the giants and cody ross 2 thumbs up. GREAT JOB. Seroiusly, great job, must have been awsome to be a Giant fan today. As a phillie fan, after seeing what i saw, i must admit i dont even care that our pitching is good. Yours is better from the looks of it. Phils offense is crappy lol. Now i wont be surprise if the giants win the next 2. lol O well. GOOD LUCK. Phils will need it lol.
Gonzo Will
10/19/2010-7:47pm at 7:47 pm (UTC -4)
Kingman, you always nail the thought perfectly. Nice piece. I agree 100%
metsfan4decades
10/19/2010-7:48pm at 7:48 pm (UTC -4)
The only point I don’t agree with 100% is this:
This team, despite the optimism felt by some, is almost certainly 1-2 years away from again being taken seriously in a very difficult division.
Right now, I don’t think the NL east is all that strong a division.
- The Phillies are on the older side and have been struggling offensively for awhile now.
- The Nats are Strasburg-less for another year and probably will lose Dunn.
- The Braves don’t have Wagner, full time Chipper and are missing at least another bat, even with Heyward.
- The Marlins are, well, the Marlins. Until that organization opens up the purse a bit more I think they’ll always be a team looking to get lucky with their young prospects.
Depending on what the Mets look like next year – especially in regards to pitching – we may have a shot to compete for the WC – IMO.
stickguy
10/19/2010-7:56pm at 7:56 pm (UTC -4)
the WC is the key. Because even if you think that the Phils will be a 95+ win juggarnaut next year, there really aren’t many other great, or even really good, teams in the NL.
Look, the Padres were in the WC hunt up until the very end. If that doesn’t prove that damned near every team has a shot, nothing does!
And like MF notes, at some point, the phils will fade back. THere offense was off this year, and don’t discount how much they could miss werth next year (he did lead the team in OPS). 1-2 other guys get hurt at the wrong time or just decline, and it will not be a particularly fearsome lineup.
Which of course leaves them relying again on the starting pitching staff. Fronted by 2 guys that are going to be what, 34 next year? Arms don’t last forever!
Hey, I figure, if other fans can assume that all the worst case scenerios will happen to the mets, why can’t I assume that some will happen to the PHils? Just because they are God’s gift to Grustle and heart?
hazmet
10/19/2010-8:03pm at 8:03 pm (UTC -4)
And the Philths could be Werthless.
That would help.
hazmet
10/19/2010-8:01pm at 8:01 pm (UTC -4)
I agree with you 4D but I’ve been hesitant to be 100% true believer in next year as a WC contender. Maybe it’s that I’m still on the heels of another disappointing season, although the KiddieCore looks good. Being the Mets are a NY team if they decide to go nuts on payroll then yes they could be contenders next year. Problem is I don’t believe this is a strong free agent class this off season so over spending could do more long term damage then good. With that the most important signing we make will be the GM and hope it’s the right guy who can work the trade market to improve the team. I take every season unto itself so I view anything as being possible but there certainly is some heavy lifting to be done to get it right. LGM!!! and feel better.
metsfan4decades
10/19/2010-8:07pm at 8:07 pm (UTC -4)
Agree. My opinion is based on what the teams all look like right now. Just no way to hazard any predictions until we get to opening day and we know what the Mets will look like.
Also agree about the FA class this off season. Our new GM is either going to get very creative or we’ll roll the dice more or less with what we have – outside of getting some pitchers, of course.
hazmet
10/19/2010-8:10pm at 8:10 pm (UTC -4)
Did you catch the highlights yet? A brutal Utley error to let run #3 score. Cole could have been pouting about that. He has a rep in that regards.
stickguy
10/19/2010-8:33pm at 8:33 pm (UTC -4)
for some reason, they changed the error to a hit. Home team scoring for the road team?
metsfan4decades
10/19/2010-9:24pm at 9:24 pm (UTC -4)
I haven’t caught it yet but my Dad called me up to tell me about it.
If it’s anything like last year post season play, he’s probably ready to explode. Last year, when there were a couple of errors turned behind him, he turns around with his hands on his hips and just stares at his teammates.
LOL.
rustyjr
10/19/2010-8:13pm at 8:13 pm (UTC -4)
Well put my friend
hazmet
10/19/2010-8:14pm at 8:14 pm (UTC -4)
Random: Watching Linda Cohen on ESPN. Hard to believe she sang backup vocals for Steely Dan. And she’s a die hard Met fan.
hazmet
10/19/2010-8:17pm at 8:17 pm (UTC -4)
Random Thought #2: Man these Trader Joe’s mini chocolate chip cookies are awesome. Must move them to another room….
Alright that’s all, I guess I miss the dugout.
njstuckintx
10/19/2010-8:16pm at 8:16 pm (UTC -4)
http://www.draysbay.com/2010/10/19/1756038/sizing-up-a-matt-garza-trade-what-can-we-expect
solid article. purely speculation, but the numbers still don’t scare me off of Garza. Go get him Sandy!
GravediggerHebner
10/19/2010-8:48pm at 8:48 pm (UTC -4)
Although I can’t even pretend to understand the whole “trade calculator” aspect of the article it was an interesting read.
I hadn’t really considered the concept of Garza at high value but was well aware of James Shields having low value and was actually pining for the Mets to acquire him.
Unfortunately the Rays strike me as one of those “smart” organizations and I’m guessing if they’re considering trading one of Shields or Garza, if I am to believe the concept of Garza having high value now, he will be the one traded.
Saves me the time I was considering investing in a “Mets should trade for Shields” post.
The worst part of the article was, as it so often can be (no offense intended), the comments section which included some Mets bashing which is something I didn’t have my incredibly complex system of emotional guards in place for because I was reading a post about the Rays.
So it kind of bummed me out. The Minaya era is over but the lack of respect for the organization remains strong in some quarters. This new regime has a lot of work to do to overcome both the actual things that are wrong with this organization and the laughingstock reputation that it inherits.
stickguy
10/19/2010-10:58pm at 10:58 pm (UTC -4)
perception changes quick. in 2006, mets were top of the world. Basically, they were what the phillies are now (and yes, I realize that the phils have been in more playoff series, but the point stands).
And if the new Gm comes in, makes a few positive moves, nothing absurdly silly happens in the next year, and the mets actually have a good year and win some games, they will not be a laughingstock or close to it.
njstuckintx
10/19/2010-11:01pm at 11:01 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah, the comments section was a rough read (format slam intended). The Pirates (rightfully so), the Astros (finally rebuilding), the Orioles (horrible division for them) all deserve a little slamming, but the Mets, who have had some recent success but have been hit with the worst rash of injury and bad luck, get so easily tossed into that crowd is a bummer, indeed. Here’s to hope and change.
Also, if the comments are coming from Rays fans, they’ve done more with less for a while. it’s tough not to laugh at a team that has so much more payroll than themselves and yet do so much worse.
Mr North Jersey
10/19/2010-8:32pm at 8:32 pm (UTC -4)
Bravo Kingman! I enjoyed the read indeed. You made good solid points for reasons that this may still workout for the club.
Now the hard part for KRod. Pitch well in 2011.
GravediggerHebner
10/19/2010-8:38pm at 8:38 pm (UTC -4)
I agree completely with the concept that the Mets and KRod need each other.
The Mets need someone solid at the back of their bullpen. Unless they’re going to trade for one of the top 4 or 5 closers in the game, KRod is more likely to do a better job closing games than anyone else. No one on the free agent market is proven to be as solid as KRod at closing.
Combine that with KRod being at very low “value” in terms of being a tradeable commodity and voila – marriage of convenience. Maybe they’ll buck the odds and actually fall in love with each other which would be great because that vesting option sucks from any and every perspective I have tried to view it.
stickguy
10/19/2010-8:47pm at 8:47 pm (UTC -4)
best situation could be that K rod has a good year, helps the mets to the playoffs, but doesn’t manage to finish 55 games.
Probably would take a DL stint during the year to keep him under, unless the manager has a strict policy of never giving him work unless it is a save situation, and also keeps him from pitching too many games in a row or a week.
GravediggerHebner
10/19/2010-8:54pm at 8:54 pm (UTC -4)
I can hope that the new GM hires a manager who is not a slave to the save rule but rather uses his best reliever(s) at the key moment(s) in the game.
And yes I’m old enough to have seen relief pitchers do that, this is why I even suggest such heresy. I’ll go back to my rocking chair now. Bring on the closer!
Mr North Jersey
10/19/2010-8:57pm at 8:57 pm (UTC -4)
Hey Grave so how bout it? Ya think we have a good shot at a Rangers vs Giants W.S.?
GravediggerHebner
10/19/2010-9:21pm at 9:21 pm (UTC -4)
I’m very happy with how things have unfolded so far but I don’t want to count any chickens before they hatch. A few days ago it was a pipe dream now it seems less far fetched at least and I’m happy for that.
stickguy
10/19/2010-11:02pm at 11:02 pm (UTC -4)
cross those fingers, the yankee game is turning for the best again tonight.
stickguy
10/19/2010-8:44pm at 8:44 pm (UTC -4)
more talk here about competing next year. So hard though at this point, since we don’t even have a GM or manager yet, and no moves have been made. so basically all you can be doing now is projecting the same crew into next year, and teams change.
But, my take is that the team will be better next year. And since I felt they could contend going into 2010, and they actually were right in it for 1/2 the season, yes I expect them to be contenders.; Even though there is likely to be a lot more movement that many people expect!
besides, by the time ST rolls around, all the old time fans will do what they always do, put on the rose colored glasses, and convince themselves that yes, this really is the year it all comes together!
Mr North Jersey
10/19/2010-8:48pm at 8:48 pm (UTC -4)
I respect your take stick but right now as things stand I can’t get pumped at the idea of contending next year. I do hope that come Opening Day 2011 I will have a different outlook on that but as of now I just am not optimistic.
stickguy
10/19/2010-11:04pm at 11:04 pm (UTC -4)
well, that is part of my point. It is too early to be really excited, or overly depressed, about the 2011 team. That is what ST is for, when we actually have a pretty good idea of what the team actually is!
metsfan4decades
10/19/2010-10:31pm at 10:31 pm (UTC -4)
So…Tex just helped off the field after running to first with what looks like at least a bad hammy pull, if not a tear.
Yankee fans everywhere are not happy.
metsfan4decades
10/19/2010-10:35pm at 10:35 pm (UTC -4)
Go Benji!
I guess it’s O.K. in post season to thump your chest and stick your finger in the air as you watch the ball you hit sail over the fence.
5-3 Rangers!
stickguy
10/19/2010-11:04pm at 11:04 pm (UTC -4)
unless you are jose reyes, it seems to be fine to do it any time.
metsfan4decades
10/19/2010-11:14pm at 11:14 pm (UTC -4)
Speaking of, did I just see Joba pumping his fist walking off that mound after giving up a couple of runs?
stickguy
10/19/2010-11:27pm at 11:27 pm (UTC -4)
with him and vicky in MLB, people still make fun of Reyes? hard to believe.
TRS86
10/19/2010-10:35pm at 10:35 pm (UTC -4)
FATTTTTTTTYYYYY!!!!!
stickguy
10/19/2010-11:07pm at 11:07 pm (UTC -4)
watching the phils highlights on the local news. Even the sportscasters making fun of the sheer lack of offense so far. Hopefully that keeps up for 2 more games.
And they just announced that Blanton is still going tomorrow in game 4, instead of going to halladay and oswalt on short rest. Could be interesting.
metsfan4decades
10/19/2010-11:13pm at 11:13 pm (UTC -4)
Really? I guess the Phills mantra of ‘turning it on when needed’ is still the mindset.
Getting a little late, boys.
7-3 Rangers
Looking more and more like it just might be a Rangers/Giants WS.
A very enjoyable 2010 WS for me, it will be…..
stickguy
10/19/2010-11:26pm at 11:26 pm (UTC -4)
I might not watch much of that, but it would be because I had other things to do, and not because I refuse to!
stickguy
10/19/2010-11:24pm at 11:24 pm (UTC -4)
on a totally unrelated to anything topic, the news just had a piece about funeral costs and how to save money.
During it, they did a pan shot at a casket showroom. And right in the front was a white casket, with a giant mets logo on the end panel!
of course, since it is a Philly station, it could have been an intentional dig of some sort, but I don’t think so.
stickguy
10/20/2010-12:03am at 12:03 am (UTC -4)
wow. 2nd day in a row that the yankee pen just poured gas on the fire. Nice!
metsfan4decades
10/20/2010-12:16am at 12:16 am (UTC -4)
Rangers win.
Only took 4 hours, 13 minutes.
They need Joe West behind the plate for the next game.
stickguy
10/20/2010-12:32am at 12:32 am (UTC -4)
well, no guarantee things don’t change in the next few days, but so far, this years LCSs are going way better than last years!