Tigers Get Closer Francisco Rodriguez In Trade With Brewers
DETROIT (CBS Detroit) - In undeniable need of a closer, the Detroit Tigers announced Wednesday that the club has acquired righthanded pitcher Francisco Rodriguez (and a player to be named later) from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for infielder Javier Betancourt (and a player to be named later).
"K-Rod is a perennial All-Star closer, has pitched on a World Series championship team, and is someone who will provide experience at the back end of our bullpen," said Tigers Executive Vice President and General Manager Al Avila in a media release. "We had strong recommendations from our scouts on Frankie, and he has the proven track record we targeted in our search for a bona fide closer."
Rodriguez, 33, posted a 1-3 record, 2.21 ERA (57.0IP/14ER), 62 strikeouts, and 38 saves over 60 games with the Brewers in 2015, while opponents batted .189 (38x201) against him. It marked his seventh season posting 35 saves-or-more, which he has done so the past two seasons. He ranked second in the National League with a 95.0 save percentage, while he was tied for fifth with 38 saves. He ranks fourth in the majors with 82 saves over the past two seasons.
"I take this opportunity with a lot of pride," said Rodriguez, who reportedly was sleeping when he got the call that he'd been traded. "It's something that me and my family are looking forward to."
Over 14 seasons at the major league level, the native of Caracas, Venezuela has posted a 47-44 record, 2.69 ERA (892.1IP/267ER), 1067 strikeouts, and 386 saves over 859 games with four organizations, including the Los Angeles Angels, New York Mets, Baltimore Orioles and Brewers. He has been selected an All-Star six times, including the past two seasons for the Brewers ('04, '07, '08, '09, '14, '15). He leads all active pitchers with 386 saves, while he ranks seventh on the all-time major league saves list.
Betancourt, 20, batted .263 (129x491) with 17 doubles, five triples, three home runs, and 48 RBI over 122 games with Single A Lakeland in 2015.
Reaction on social media was swift — and decidedly mixed — with some expressing surprise about "how little" the Tigers gave up for Rodriguez.
Others seem cautiously optimistic that this closer will make a difference for struggling Detroit.
What do you think? Is K-Rod the closer the Tigers has been looking for? Comment below.
