K-Rod On Mets: 'To Come Back And Redeem Myself Would Be Great'
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Francisco Rodriguez's time in Flushing had its moments, but it was largely dominated by controversy and inconsistency.
K-Rod signed a three-year, $37 million contract with the Mets on December 10, 2008. The closer pitched with the Mets until 2011, when he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers on July 12.
In parts of three seasons with the Mets, the four-time All-Star went 9-10 with a 3.05 ERA and 83 saves. But it was an off-the-field moment that most Mets fan think of when they reflect on K-Rod's tenure with the Amazin's.
On August 11, 2010, the right-hander was arrested for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend's father at Citi Field.
Fast forward three years and Rodriguez is a free agent and pitching for Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic.
Prior to the Mets taking on Team Venezuela in an exhibition contest at Tradition Field on Wednesday, K-Rod suggested that he'd like to return to Queens and give it another shot.
"I would love to (return to the Mets)," Rodriguez said, according to Mets.com. "They've got a great coaching staff over there. To come back and redeem myself would be great, because I've got to be realistic and honest. You would have to be real blind to not see that I fell when I was there. That's not even a question. To be able to get one more shot and get it done would be great."
The Mets could certainly use another arm in the bullpen, especially after closer Frank Francisco was shut down with elbow inflammation at the very beginning of spring training. Francisco threw off flat ground on February 25, but it remains to be seen if he will be ready for the start of the season. If Francisco starts the campaign on the disabled list, Bobby Parnell will assume the closer's role in his absence.
Does K-Rod still have it in him to be an effective closer?
"I think before I think about that, I just have to prove, '(Is) my body healthy?'"Rodriguez said, according to the website. "Do I want to be able to close again? No doubt in my mind. But I have to step back once again and throw the eighth inning again. It's out of my mind. Just get my job done when it needs to be, and see what happens."
The 11-year veteran struggled mightily for the Brewers in 2012. In 72 innings pitched, he went 2-7 with a 4.38 ERA. He only converted three of 10 save opportunities, striking out 72 and walking 31. He also surrendered eight home runs.
Any interest in a K-Rod reunion, Mets fans? Sound off with your thoughts and comments below...
