Francisco Rodriguez

Major League Baseball closer Francisco Rodriguez is a member of the New York Mets. Rodriguez played for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim before signing with the Mets prior to the 2009 season.

On May 24, 2009, Rodriguez collapsed before taking the field at Fenway and was rushed to a Boston hospital. Suffering from violent back spasms, Rodriguez had difficulty walking, but was prescribed medicine and surprised fans when he was able to play catch only 12 hours after the incident, he is listed-day-to-day.MBL: K-Rod feeling better after back scare (May 24, 2009)

Setting Single Season Saves Record

On September 11, 2008, Rodriguez tied the record for most saves in a single season. The original record was held by Bobby Thigpen of the Chicago White Sox, who set the record in 1990.ESPN.com: Angels' K-Rod ties Thigpen for saves in a season

MLB Career

Rodriguez began his MLB career on September 24, 1998, when he signed as an undrafted free agent with the then-named Anaheim Angels. He played for the Angels' minor league affiliates for his first few years.

On September 18, 2002, Rodriguez was called up to make his MLB debut with the Angels, playing in five games that season, pitching 5.7 innings and not allowing a single run. Rodriguez also appeared in his first post season game with the Angels in 2002, where they won the World Series over the San Francisco Giants.

He joined the full roster of the Angels in 2003, playing in 59 games. In 2004, Rodriguez was selected for his first MLB All-Star Game, where he appeared again in 2007. He was also selected as the American League Saves Champion in both the 2005 and 2006 seasons.

Joins Mets

On December 9, 2008, various news agencies reported that the New York Mets and Rodriguez had agreed to a three year deal. The Mets are in the market for a closer since the injury of Billy Wagner in 2008. Wagner is expected to miss the entire 2009 season. Rodriguez set a major league saves record of 62 while playing for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.ESPN.com: Source: Mets, K-Rod agree to contract (December 8, 2008)