Francisco Rodriguez turned in his finest year and it showed.
The Angels closer was named The Sporting News American League Fireman of the Year for 2006 and was the lone Angels representative selected by The Sporting News, which also announced its All-Star teams and other league awards Tuesday.
While player balloting decides most of the awards, The Sporting News used a formula that combines saves and wins to determine Fireman of the Year. Rodriguez posted a 2-3 record and a 1.73 ERA in 2006, while leading the Majors with 47 saves in 51 opportunities.
"I think it is well-deserved and reflects what Francisco has done over the course of his career," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "Every year has been a progression. His challenge now is to maintain his level of achievement for his career and that will be very important for our organizational goals -- to have Frankie Rodriguez in our bullpen. Because for any team to reach their goal, you have to have that presence."
Also honored in the AL were Twins left-hander Johan Santana, who was named Pitcher of the Year, and Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander, who collected the Rookie of the Year for 2006. Designated hitter Jim Thome of the White Sox was named Comeback Player of the Year, while Detroit skipper Jim Leyland won Manager of the Year honors.
Phillies sluggers Ryan Howard won the Sporting News Player of the Year Award, which covers both leagues.
The 2006 season was a banner one for Rodriguez, whose 47 saves were not only a career high, but set a new franchise record, breaking the old mark of 46 that was established by Bryan Harvey in 1991.
In just his second year as full-time closer with the Angels, Rodriguez has become one of the premier pitchers in his specialty. At 24, Rodriguez is the youngest pitcher to reach 100 saves in his career. Last season, Rodriguez converted 45 saves, including 18 straight to finish the year.
The right-hander carried that streak into 2006 and rattled off another four straight saves before having his string broken at 22, which also set a new franchise record. Later in the year, Rodriguez put together a 30 2/3 scoreless-innings streak.
Rodriguez converted 12 saves in 2004, when he filled in for the injured Troy Percival, but he put his name on the baseball map in 2002. Late in that campaign, Rodriguez brought his trademark slider to bear on opposing hitters as the Angels clinched the AL Wild Card and went on to their first World Series title.
He did not allow a run in five regular season appearances and turned it up in the postseason, when he was 5-1 with a 1.93 ERA in 11 appearances.
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K-Rod named AL Fireman of the Year
K-Rod named AL Fireman of the Year
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