Top 100 Angels: Francisco RODRIGUEZ #20

by Rev Halofan on Mar 6, 2009 6:12 PM PST in 100 Top Angels

#20 - FRANCISCO RODRIGUEZ - Relief Pitcher (2002 - 2008)

Frankie grew somewhat controversial as an Angel as it just seemed he was never as much a s a team guy as a clock-punching stat-accumulator waiting for the big free agency payday. He got lucky to sign with the Mets a week before it was discovered that Bernie Madoff had taken most of Fred Wilpon and Company's fortunes.

Frankie had 4 seasons as a dominant closer for the Angels. Four record-setting seasons. Before that he had two amazing seasons as a late-inning setup man for Troy Percival. Amazing seasons.

But before that, he pretty much was the glue that led to the postseason dominance the Angels enjoyed in 2002. No Frankie = No ring. No arguments about that.

He did not establish as much as Troy Percival in Angels history to claim the highest ranking of a relief pitcher in team history, but it is inconceivable that he could not be in the Team's All Time 25 players.

If his arm had fallen off after the 2002 offseason he would still be in the Top 50 Angels on my list.

CAREER STATS - Frankie's Post-2005 All Time Angels Essay.

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Sorry...

but there will never anything like a 9th inning, game on the line and #57 coming in. This is the kind of shit that brings you to the edge of a hear attack. I will miss it.

by 3rd Echelon on Mar 6, 2009 7:55 PM PST reply actions

be & heart

crappy keyboard.

by 3rd Echelon on Mar 6, 2009 7:59 PM PST reply actions

Of all the changes this year, I think Franky being gone hits me hardest.

GA leaving had been building for a long time, but K-Rod was in his prime. It’s a little sad to me that he ended up settling for what we had already offered him. Just makes you think it could have worked out differently.

Good luck with the Mets K-Rod. Maybe we’ll catch you on the next go around.

~Till the Halo burns out...

by Zu Long on Mar 6, 2009 8:03 PM PST reply actions

He is still young

He could be back for the 2012 season – he would be 30 then.

by Rev Halofan on Mar 6, 2009 8:32 PM PST up reply actions

Like I said.

Maybe the next go around. ;-)

~Till the Halo burns out...

by Zu Long on Mar 7, 2009 11:23 AM PST up reply actions

Lata Frankie........thanks for the memories..........

A person who performs good Karma (deeds) is always held in high esteem
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.

by norcaliangelsfan on Mar 7, 2009 8:28 AM PST reply actions

No Frankie = No Ring

It’s worth repeating:

No Frankie = No Ring

And after 1986 I wanted an Angels World Series championship so badly.

After the World Series victory, I figured even if Frankie never did anything else, his contributions to the championship were more than enough.

The fact that he was instrumental during the last five seasons (an 810 game span where the Angels posted a sensational winning percentage of .580) is rather remarkable. Thanks to that Ring I think 2008 was a terrific year simply because:

6 months of great entertainment and 100 wins >>>>>>>>>>>>> 1 bad week and 3 losses

Ain't no stoppin' us now. We got the groove!!

by Fan Since 1981 on Mar 7, 2009 5:46 PM PST reply actions