Mets introduce K-Rod at holiday party

Dec 17, 2008 - 9:54 PM LONG ISLAND CITY, New York (Ticker) -- The New York Mets formally introduced the man they hope will save their bullpen on Wednesday - Francisco Rodriguez.

Rodriguez and general manager Omar Minaya appeared at a press conference during the Mets' annual holiday party for local children at the Citi Building in Long Island City.

Baseball's single-season saves record holder, Rodriguez signed a three-year, $37 million deal with New York on December 10.

Minaya signed Rodriguez to help fix a bullpen that blew a franchise record-tying 29 saves and was a big reason the Mets collapsed and were overtaken by the Philadelphia Phillies for a second straight year in the National League East.

"We feel we went out and got the best closer in the game," Minaya said.

Minaya also joked that his sons were the driving force behind the deal.

"Dad, you gotta get K-Rod," his sons would tell him.

Rodriguez, who recorded 62 saves last season with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, will fill the role left by the injured Billy Wagner. Wagner will miss all of next season after undergoing "Tommy John" surgery.

The laughs continued when Rodriguez tried on his No. 75 jersey, and manager Jerry Manuel joked that was the number of saves his new closer would get.

Rodriguez promised he will do his best to avoid the problems the bullpen had last season.

"Mets fans are really passionate," said Rodriguez, who turns 27 next month. "I look forward to earning their respect and not letting people down."

Rodriguez said the the questions regarding the drop in his velocity was due to changing his delivery to incorporate a changeup into his repertoire. He added that his fastball will return now that he has grown accustomed to the delivery.

Along with Rodriguez, Minaya acquired setup man and former closer J.J. Putz in a blockbuster deal with Seattle and Cleveland.

"I don't think it's going to be hard because you have to have the same mentality and that is to go out and get the job done," Rodriguez said of Putz's role.

"The eighth and ninth innings are similar. And he proved he can close out some games, so now you have to make that transition. I don't think it will be a problem at all."