LAS VEGAS - A little while ago, Omar Minaya officially announced what everyone at the Bellagio knew for the last 36 hours: Francisco Rodriguez is now a Met.

“We have come to completed terms in filling our No. 1 need in signing Francisco Rodriguez to a three year contract with the New York Mets,” Minaya said. “Our goal, from day one, was to improve our bullpen and I can not think of a better reliever than Francisco Rodriguez.”

K-Rod set a Major League record in 2008 with 62 saves. He also converted 23 saves when entering the game with a one-run league and 22more with a two-run cushion. He went 2-3 with a 2.24 ERA.

“I am thrilled to join the Mets,” Rodriguez said in a statement.“Mets fans are very passionate and playing in a new ballpark is going to be great. I am going to do everything I can to help bring a championship to Citi Field.”

Rodriguez, who wore Johan Santana’s No. 57 with the Angels, will switch the number around and go with No. 75 in Queens.

  E-mail this story |  Printer-friendly |  Discuss