J.J. Putz To Set Up for K-Rod

The bullpen may not be the Mets Achilles Heel anymore.

Just after the Mets signed their closer in Francisco Rodriguez, they traded for J.J Putz from the Seattle Mariners.

This was part of a three team, twelve player deal.

New York shipped reliever Aaron Heilman, outfielder Endy Chavez, left hander Jason Vargas and three minor leaguers to the Mariners for Putz, center fielder Jeremy Reed and reliever Sean Green.

Outfielder Franklin Gutierrez was sent from the Indians to Seattle. Cleveland got reliever Joe Smith from the Mets and 23-year-old second baseman Luis Valbuena from Seattle.

J.J Putz will pitch the eighth inning for the Mets, setting up for K-Rod in the ninth.

K-Rod Heading To The East Coast

Francisco Rodriguez is heading to New York.

The Mets, needing a closer, have agreed to a $37 million, three year contract.

Because K-Rod destroyed the Single Season Saves Record, I'm sure he was envisioning a $50 million dollar contract, but that's not going to happen.

I'm sure K-Rod will enjoy his tenure at Citi Field. It looks great.

Phillies Fans aren't worried,though. Their closer Brad Lidge just completed a perfect 48 save season that culminated with a World Series Championship.

Will Francisco Rodriguez deliver the Mets a division title, something they have choked away the last two seasons?

Francisco Rodriguez Sets Major League Record

Last Night, Francisco Rodriguez "K-Rod" broke Bobby Thigpen's 18 year old record for Single Season Saves.

K-Rod got his record breaking 58th save against the Seattle Mariners.

The fact that Franisco Rodriguez has broken the record with three weeks left in Baseball season leads me to believe that this record will never be broken. K-Rod could have 65 saves by the end of the season.

Francisco Rodriguez Record Tying Save

From The AP:

"ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP)—With the Los Angeles Angels cruising along with a 7-0 lead after seven innings, Francisco Rodriguez was kicking back in the bullpen, figuring he wouldn’t get his chance to tie a record.

Then Seattle scored three runs in the eighth, put runners on first and second with no outs in the ninth, and Rodriguez got the call. Greeted by rousing cheers as he took the mound, he got the final three outs Thursday night’s 7-4 win for his record-tying 57th save of the season."

Click on the video below to see K-Rod tie Bobby Thigpen's Single Season Saves Record! Hurry before MLB Advanced Media files a copyright claim to remove the video!