More on Francisco Rodriguez’s Balky Ankle

Earlier today, Joe Janish posted a detailed analysis on Francisco Rodriguez’s altered mechanics. Joe hinted that Rodriguez may have altered his delivery to compensate for an ankle injury back in 2007, resulting in reduced velocity and an increased injury risk. If you haven’t read it yet – check it out.

Lest you think Joe was making any of this up, I invite you to check out the following links. After reading these, you will start to understand why the Mets were able to acquire Rodriguez on the cheap.

Title: Keep Watch Over K-Rod’s Ankle Injury
Date: April 4, 2008
Quote:

It is reported today that Francisco Rodriguez has been struggling with an ankle injury since late 2007, and it is believed to be causing him pain that is leading to him altering his mechanics while on the mound. This ankle injury was never really talked about last season, so he must have kept it a secret.

Link: http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/fantasy/article/keep-watch-over-k-rods-ankle-injury/

Title: K-Rod’s New Delivery a Balancing Act
Date: April 3, 2008
Quote:

“Before, I used to be more open, swinging my leg around,” K-Rod said before Thursday’s series finale against the Twins at the Metrodome. “I’m trying to take a little pressure off my left ankle. It’s been really painful after every outing. That’s because my delivery was so violent.”

Link: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080403&content_id=2487768&vkey=news_ana&fext=.jsp&c_id=ana

Title: K-Rod Eases His Pain
Date: April 3, 2008
Quote:

“An altered delivery isn’t the cause for Francisco Rodriguez’s lower radar gun readings, but rather the effect of a left ankle injury suffered last year that still bothers him.”

Link: http://www.pe.com/sports/baseball/angels/stories/PE_Sports_Local_D_angels_notes_04.42b891f.html

Granted, Rodriguez was able to successfully pitch through the injury, but his velocity and his K/9 and WHIP decreased despite his record-setting 62 saves in 2008. In addition to the immediate – and obvious – effects of the ankle injury on his peripherals, the prospect of signing a reliever with a violent delivery and a chronic ankle problem had to give pause to many interested GMs…

And that’s how the Mets got Francisco Rodriguez for $37 million over 3 years.