It’s an interesting question and one posed by Randy Youngman, a columnist for the Ocean County Register.
The New York Mets are open to trading closer Francisco Rodriguez, who is entering the final year of a three-year, $37 million contract that will pay him $11.5 million in 2011.
Would the Angels be interested in re-acquiring K-Rod? Possibly, if his legal problems related to an altercation with his father-in-law are resolved this winter.
The Angels don’t have a proven closer after trading Brian Fuentes and watching Fernando Rodney struggle with his command in his late-season trial as bullpen stopper. So if the team doesn’t believe power arms Kevin Jepsen and Jordan Walden are ready for the role, why not make a play for K-Rod?
I would have to believe that if this opportunity presented itself to Sandy Alderson, he would surely pave the way for Francisco Rodriguez to return to Anaheim.
There are certainly many obstacles of course. In addition to his legal problems, there is the matter of his $13 million dollar salary this season, and more importantly his 2012 option for $18 million dollars that vests after 55 appearances, an easily obtainable figure if he remains healthy for an entire season.
Still, anything can happen once the two sides can begin talking. There is no doubt that if the Angels can get K-Rod for about $9 million this season, it would represent a great value for them based on what top closers get in today’s market place. That would mean the Mets paying about $4 million of his salary, and it may not be a bad idea.
Moving K-Rod would cetainly clear up some payroll and give Alderson some much needed flexibility, even if he were to assume a large chunk of his salary. Fingers crossed.
