Detroit Tigers release K-Rod proving there is at least one brain in the front office

Hallelujah! The Detroit Tigers have released Francisco Rodriguez proving that there is someone in the front office that knows something about baseball.

The former Detroit Tigers closing pitcher finished his time this season with six blown saves and a sky-high ERA of 7.82.

With this announcement, Tigers’ fan everywhere rejoiced. But, they still wondered what took so long.

The Tigers made the announcement today via Twitter:

The Tigers shared a few other notices via Twitter, but they all pale in comparison to the release of K-Rod. Or…should we call him “Couldn’t Get a ‘K’ Rod”?

Keeping him far, far away from Detroit

The Tigers still owe him the remainder of the $6 million of guaranteed salary for the season. But, it seems like a great deal for the Tigers to pay him to stay away. Far, far away from Comerica Park and anything with the Old English D on it.

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A career for the ages

Of course, it is important to remember that Francisco Rodriguez has had quite the career. He has been to six All-Star Games and he has the fourth highest career saves of any closing pitcher. Of active pitchers, he is ranked #1 in career saves. But, after 16 years, he just isn’t the pitcher that he once was.

Rodriguez’s trouble started early in the season, but it went into full effect when he complained to the press about his new role in innings other than the ninth. So, the front office let him pitch in the ninth. And, like he had been earlier in the season, he blew the save, this time against the Seattle Mariners, and the Tigers office finally decided that the sixth was enough.

Lots of dead money

It is important to remember that there are currently three pitchers signed by Al Avila who are being paid to NOT play in Detroit. Those players are taking up $19 million in salaries. Mike Pelfrey is one of them. He’s pitching for the Chicago White Sox and he has two wins against the Detroit Tigers. Mark Lowe is the other pitcher. He’s currently taking up $5.5 million and is pitching for Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers in the Pacific Coast League where he has a 7.67 ERA.

Surprisingly, reactions to Rodriguez’s release have been mixed. Most are pleased with the decision. Many wish it would have happened earlier. Some are just glad that they do not have to watch the once great pitcher fall apart. And, one fan questioned what is it about Detroit and closing pitchers:

Overall, Tigers fans were just plain happy:

Next: Four Tigers to watch in San Diego

The Tigers still have a lot of games to win to get into a respectable spot at or above .500. Bruce Rondon has been recalled so who knows what fans will see when he takes the mound. He’s got a 3.04 ERA with a WHIP of 1.800 in Toledo. His 1.1 innings pitched in Detroit (so far) have given him a 40.50 ERA with a WHIP of 5.250. It can’t get much worse, right?