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Where's the Love for K-Rod?

As we talk about how awesome Mariano Rivera is, and how Jonathan Papelbon wanted to close the All-Star Game, and how the Cubs are in first, some things have gotten lost. Like the team with the best record in baseball right now: the Anaheim Angels. (Yea, I don't say "LA Angels". Deal with it) The Halos are now 61-39, with a whopping 9 game lead over 2nd place Oakland. And since they have gone largely unnoticed, you might wonder, "which players are making this team so good?". And do you know the biggest reason? The shutdown pitcher at the back end of the bullpen, Francisco Rodriguez.

On Tuesday night, Rodriguez, or "K-Rod" as he is known, recorded his 41st save of the season. That surpasses his total of last year, and he only has 62 games left to play. He has an outstading 2.20 ERA, and is only 6 saves short of the Angels franchise record. Through 100 games, his 41 saves are the most ever, 5 AHEAD of the second best, set by John Smoltz in 2002 and 2003. And we're talking about Jason Giambi's mustache. He has been completely lights out this year, with only 3 blown saves in his 44 chances. How much better could your favorite team be with a reliever like K-Rod at the end of the bullpen? Certainly a lot better, and that's what K-Rod has been this year. With Vladmir Guerrero not having his best season, and the pitching staff having to deal with injuries, Francicso is carrying this team to a division title.

So get on the K-Rod Bandwagon. And maybe, at the end of the season, look past Carlos Quentin, Evan Longoria, and A-Rod, and give your MVP vote to Francisco Rodriguez. He is the true definition of most valuable.

MLB at the Break: Awards

Well, we're finally at the midpoint (roughly) of the MLB season, and I think its time to hand out some awards. There have been many surprises, disappointments, and great moments. And most of all, there have been great players. So here I am to honor them, my midseason MLB awards.

Some Very Unneccessary Comparisons

    Like everyone else, I was shocked by Texas Rangers OF Milton Bradley's actions after his team's 11-5 win over the Kansas City Royals. After the game, Bradley stormed out of the clubhouse, practically ran up several flights of stairs, all to find Royals TV announcer Ryan Lefebvre. Fortunately, Bradley was stopped by GM Jon Daniels and Manager Ron Washington before he could find Lefebvre. Bradley had heard of the comments made by Lefebvre that he was not happy with. The comments were made regarding fellow Rangers OF Josh Hamilton, who has overcome drug abuse to become a star in the league. Lefebvre compared Hamilton's situation to Milton Bradley by saying that unlike Hamilton, who has made huge changes to become the player he is today, "it doesn't appear Milton Bradley has done the same thing with his life."

     After the game, Lefebvre said that he was not singling out Bradley, but compliment Hamilton. After the game, Bradley was quoted as saying:

"I'm tired of people bringing me down. It wears on you. I love you guys, all you guys. I'm strong,

but I'm not that strong. All I want to do is play baseball and make a better life for my kid" 

    Now, for my take. I, believe it or not, agree 100% with Milton Bradley. Sure, he has had his anger management issues, but nothing has gotten to the level of, say, Albert Belle. He is an intense player, and it occasionally gets him into trouble, but I wouldn't call it that bad. Lefebvre went completely out of line with his comments. Milton Bradley has had occasional anger issues, but it hasn't been a drug problem. It hasn't been wife beating or child abuse. It has been anger, and only on the field. And that's it. Lefebvre needs to get that. There is no reason to compliment another player while bringing down another player at the same time. Bradley was right. He is just going out there and playing, and its not like he just came back from suspension or came out of a fight with his manager. He's been fine this season. I am disgusted by Lefebvre's comments. This guy needs to get some brains.

    And how to you think Josh Hamilton feels about this? He has had quite a journey to the majors, and instead of getting complimented for this, Lefebvre just used it as a spring-board to rip on a fellow player. And comparing what Josh Hamilton has been through to Milton Bradley's anger managment is completely insane. If your going to compliment him, just do that, and nothing more.

      So really, I guess it is just like my teachers always say. "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." Someone needs to tell Ryan Lefebvre that.

FaustoCarmonaFan is a columnist for MLB Fanz. He also writes for NBA Fanz and Ur Typical Fans. He is also the author of many great books and articles. If you have any comments or questions for FaustoCarmonaFan, go to http://fannation.com/users/view_user_profile/163431.