Frankie Says Relax!! He's Got Things Under Control
"In 1984 the English pop band “Frankie Goes to Hollywood” had a song called ‘Relax’ top the UK charts (any 80’s video is worth watching but this is a classic, gotta love those white gloves). Instead of going to Hollywood, decided to ditch California for Queens, but the song ‘Relax’ should be what fans hear in their heads when he toes the mound in the 9th. Certainly K-Rod would agree, saying this to reporters back on May 24:Frankie Rodriguez
"Sometimes I’ve got fans out there watching, almost giving them a heart attack because all the stuff I do. But take it easy…I know what I’m doing out there. If anyone gets a heart attack because of this game, I’m sorry. But that’s how I get it done”
"Friday night’s contest against Twins was no exception. Brought on with a 3-run lead in the 9th, Rodriguez allowed the tying run to reach the plate before turning things up a notch. He promptly struck out Jason Kubel (on a nasty change-up) and got Delmon Young to ground out to David Wright to end the game for his 17th save of the season. Just another day at the office for Frankie, yet as Met fans who have truly only seen a lot of Rodriguez these past 2 years, we sweat, we bite nails, we pull hair, and we certainly don’t RELAX. But maybe it’s time we do just that, because Francisco Rodriguez is pitching as good as he ever has and when he’s going good, he’s one of the best there is at finishing games.
My initial reaction to seeing how difficult K-Rod can make things look over the past couple years was to think that is record breaking 2008 season did a number on him. All those saves (62) must have worn on his arm and maybe that’s even why L.A. let him walk. Surely he was more ‘lights out’ while with the Angels, where he won 2 Rolaids Relief Awards (2006, 2008) despite playing in the same league as Mariano Rivera. Well let’s define ‘lights out’, which to me simply means never having to break a sweat when your closer enters in the 9th because you know it's 'game over'. Things will be quick and easy and you’re more likely to check out what the line is on tomorrow’s game then you are to worry about who is due up 5th in the 9th inning. Who personifies that definition better than Mariano Rivera? In addition to Mo, I think it’s fitting to at least speak of one pitcher whose talents are of this planet, so let’s also go with his co-Rolaids relief award winner in 2009, Joe Nathan. I’ll use K-Rod’s...TO READ THE REST OF THIS POST AND OTHERS LIKE IT HEAD OVER TO METSZILLA.COM BY CLICKING HERE: http://www.metszilla.com/?p=2722"
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