The Los Angeles Dodgers are in the thick of the N.L. West race and they want to ensure it remains this way the rest of the season. They are looking to acquire some bullpen help, which is why Francisco Rodriguez, aka K-Rod, is on the team's radar. Though long removed from his rookie days when he shut down the opposition for the Los Angeles Angels, a move back west looks possible for the reliever as the Dodgers could bulster their bullpen before the trade deadline.
K-Rod understands the hype and the lifestyle that comes from playing in Hollywood, which is why playing in a star-studded squad like the Dodgers wouldn't disrupt the 31-year-old righty. He understands what it means to shine under the bright lights and has pumped up the fastballs under pressure when the game is on the line.
Rodriguez has been great this season. He is 1-1 with a 1.09 ERA in 25 appearances and has recorded 10 saves. The Dodgers have had their issues late in games even after acquiring Brandon League last season. League has 14 saves, but that stat is accompanied by a 5.88 ERA. The Dodgers have 27 saves as a team, ranking them ninth in baseball. It's not bad, but their 16 blown saves is fifth worst in the majors.
To the rescue came Kenley Jansen, a hard throwing 25-year-old out of Curacao. He has taken over the closer role, converting 11 of 14 save opportunities with a 2.23 ERA.
With the acquition of Rodriguez, the combo of both pitchers could be deadly for the opposition. They are strikeout beasts, each owning K/9 Ratios over nine. Rodriguez has 26 strikeouts over 24.2 innings pitched for a 9.5 K/9 Ratio, while Jansen is recording a whopping 12.8 with 69 strikeouts in 48.1 innings pitched. Rodriguez and Jansen would ensure that hitters won't even make contact, avoiding runners from reaching base. Ultimately, this prevents either pitcher from running into game-altering hits.
It will be interesting to see if the Dodgers acquire one last piece as they are currently just half a game behind the Arizona Diamondbacks in the A.L. West and playing highly motivated baseball.
