Rodriguez Open To Setting Up

Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez doesn’t want to be dealt to a team that would use him as a setup man, though he would be willing to fill that role under the right conditions, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.  If a team were willing to sign him to a contract extension and return him to the closer’s role next season, K-Rod says he wouldn't object.

“That would be great,” the 29-year-old said. “That would be no problem.”

Teams, of course, are wary about the clause in Rodriguez's deal that would guarantee his $17.5MM option for next season if he finishes 55 games.  The veteran is currently on pace to finish 62 games.

The Rangers could be interested in Rodriguez under such conditions, says Rosenthal.  They could use Rodriguez as a setup man for the remainder of the year then make him the closer in 2012 and move Neftali Feliz to the rotation.