Mets Sign RHP Francisco Rodriguez to Three-Year Contract

FLUSHING -- The New York Mets today announced that they have signed right-handed closer Francisco Rodriguez, who last season set Major League Baseball's single-season save record with 62 with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, to a three-year free agent contract. Rodriguez, 26, converted 23 saves in 2008 when entering the game with a one-run lead and 22 more when coming in with a two-run cushion. The six-foot, 195-pounder established a Major League record for saves Sept. 13 when he closed out the Angels' 5-2 victory vs. Seattle for his 58th save - one more than Bobby Thigpen of the Chicago White Sox. The three-time All-Star allowed 54 hits in 68.1 innings last year, surrendering 21 runs, 17 earned, with 34 walks and 77 strikeouts in a career-high 76 contests while going 2-3 with a 2.24 ERA. He converted 25 consecutive saves from April 14-June 11.

"One of our primary goals this off-season was to secure a top of the line closer to anchor our bullpen and by acquiring Frankie Rodriguez we feel confident that we have one of the best closers in the majors," said Mets General Manager Omar Minaya.

Rodriguez, a native of Caracas, Venezuela, has more saves (194) than any other reliever in the majors since 2005. His 194 saves during that stretch are the most by any pitcher over a four-year span since the save rule was instituted in 1969. His career 11.70 strikeouts per nine innings ratio is the third-best in Major League history with a minimum of 400 games, behind Brad Lidge (12.50) and Billy Wagner (11.73).

"I'm thrilled to join the Mets," said Rodriguez, who will wear uniform #75. "Mets fans are very passionate and playing in a new ballpark is going to be great. I'm going to do everything I can to help bring a championship to Citi Field."

"Frankie's stats speak for themselves," said Mets Manager Jerry Manuel. "What I like most about him is his emotion, his love for the game, which is evident in the way he pitches, and the fact that he wanted to come and play for the Mets."

Rodriguez was named to the American League All-Star team for the third consecutive year in 2008. In addition to leading the American League in saves this past season, he also led the AL in saves in 2007 (40), 2006 (47) and 2005 (45).

Rodriguez became the youngest pitcher (26 years, 239 days) in Major League history to record 200 saves when he closed out the Angels' 5-4 win on Sept. 2, 2008 at Detroit.

Since 1921, no pitcher has a lower opponent batting average against (.185) than Rodriguez (minimum 400 innings). He has also posted a 2.05 ERA (37 earned runs/162.1 innings) in 153 regular season career games in August, September and October.

Rodriguez has pitched in the postseason in five of his seven years in the majors. In 2002, he won five games during the playoffs, tying Arizona's Randy Johnson for the most ever in a single postseason. Rodriguez established a postseason record for relievers with 28 strikeouts in 2002 while helping the Angels capture their first World Series championship in team history.

He is 23-17 with 208 saves and a 2.35 in 408 career games. In 451.2 innings, he's allowed 305 hits, 130 runs, 118 earned, with 198 walks and 587 strikeouts.

Rodriguez has posted a 1.07 ERA and a .137 batting average against with 67 strikeouts and 23 hits in 50.1 career innings against National League clubs. He is 1-0 with a 0.98 ERA (two earned runs / 18.1 innings) vs. National League East opponents during his career.