According to this ESPN report, Milwaukee Brewers set up man Francisco Rodriguez isn’t pleased with his situation as the 8th inning guy ahead of John Axford. Rodriguez has been a closer his entire career, even setting the single season saves record with 62 in 2008, and was the closer at the start of the year for the New York Mets, so I understand why he might want out of the set up role at some point soon. But I cannot for the life of me understand or sympathize with K-Rod right now. He went from a well below average major league team that was mired behind two of the top teams in the majors (the Phillies and Braves) to a contender with a five and a half game lead in their division currently tied for the second best record in the league. If there was a game 7 of the World Series in which Milwaukee was a part and had a one run led, K-Rod would be on the mound in the 8th inning. Who wouldn’t want that? Who wouldn’t aspire to that?
One of the biggest problems I have with Rodriguez statements is their timing and the way he went about voicing his displeasure. Rodriguez is a free agent at the end of this season by virtue of the reworking of his contract when he was dealt to the Brewers. Therefore he has about two regular season weeks and the playoffs left in a Brewers uniform if he so chooses. Can he really not suck it up and deal with “only” pitching the (very important) 8th inning for 2-4 more weeks? It’s not like he’s languishing behind some crappy closer and could clearly do a better job. John Axford is having an incredible season. He has a 2.10 ERA, a WHIP under 1.2 and 42 saves. Since K-Rod joined the team, Axford has an ERA under 1 and 19 saves. Really, what is manager Ron Roenicke to do? He can’t take Axford out of his role, he’s been way to good.
That brings me to my final point. Rodriguez, already a man of questionable character (see punching his girlfriend’s father after a game last season and getting arrested for assault), apparently didn’t mention any of his grievances to his manager before going public. Is this guy kidding? He really can’t just suck it up and do his part to help a contender for another month? He knew, or should have known, exactly what he was getting himself into when he accepted the trade to Milwaukee in the first place. The Brewers already have a closer, arguably a better closer than K-Rod, and everyone knew that going in. This off season, K-Rod can choose his destination and pick the right fit for him. Until then, shut up and pitch.
-Max Frankel
