Live: Conference Call with K-Rod at 12 pm By Matthew Cerrone - Dec 13, 2008 11:40 am There will be live conference call at 12 pm EDT with reporters today to introduce Francisco Rodriguez as the team’s new closer. I will be live blogging key questions and answers as the call goes on. However, audio from the call will air live on SNY at 12 pm. Update, 12:06 PM: Rodriguez is on the phone in Venezuela. He is not concerned about the drop in velocity. He feels comfortable with where it is at, and he’s working hard in the off-season to get it back where he was. It’s not something he’s worrying about it right now. Update, 12:10 PM: He is ‘very happy with the acquisition of J.J. Putz.’ He looks forward to working together to get a good chemistry going, and creating a great 1–2 punch. “We are not selfish guys,” he said, “We have one goal and that’s to get to the promise land…we have to stay healthy and work hard.” Update, 12:12 PM: He’s excited to pitch in New York City. “The atmosphere is totally different, the fans are really passionate, and there is something really special and nice that New York has that players like,” he said. “I’m the kind of the guy who likes the pressure, and those situations…I want to earn the fan’s respect and I hope they enjoy me out there.” Update, 12:13PM: “Everybody knows what happened to the Mets last year, and things happen,” he said. But, ‘we can’t live in the past, we need to have the same goal, of winning the world series, be healthy and get there.’ Update, 12:15 PM: He is not disappointed in not getting a five-year deal. “I never asked for five years. It never came out of my mouth, it didn’t come out of my agent,” he said. “I’m happy with this contract, and happy to be in New York City.” Update, 12:17 PM: Again, regarding velocity, he said last year he was making changes to his mechanics, and putting a third pitch (a change up) in to his repertoire. So, because the mechanics were different, making his change-up most effective, but when he wanted to ‘let it fly,’ ‘the velocity was there.’ However, he’s still working, and as ‘you’ll see next year, the velocity will be there,’ and the goal is to be able to throw all three pitches from the same arm angle and speed. “The velocity will pick up,” he said. “No doubt about it.” Update, 12:20 PM: ‘I was open to any conversation with any ballclub,’ he said, but, ‘of course,’ he wanted to be in New York City, and ‘it was not a hard decision. ’ Update, 12:22 PM: He looks forward to the pressure and the scrutiny. However, he said, ‘I can’t control what people say, all I can control is what I do on the field.’ Update, 12:24 PM: People in Venezuela are excited that he and Johan Santana are pitching on the same team, ‘and it’s really nice.’ Update, 12:27 PM: “Of course,” he said, when asked whether he will continue his ‘antics’ and ‘animation on the mound.’ “I’m never gonna change the way that I do my job,” For more, the energy from the fans are gonna make it that much more, and it doesn’t bother him if it bothers other teams. Update, 12:29 PM: “Of course we want to win the division,” he said, when asked about the rivalry with the Phillies. “Of course we want to be the front runners, and of course we want to be the team to beat…That shouldn’t be a controversy, but we need to be confident… If asked who will win the National League, I’m gonna say, ‘the Mets.’” The conference call is over. 最後一段,K-Rod幹得好!希望場下打的嘴砲,能在場上實現!! --

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