la_faker_81

ANAHEIM -- Francisco Rodriguez hauled in his second piece of hardware for 2006 by winning the Rolaids Relief Man Award for the American League.

Already named Fireman of the Year by The Sporting News, Rodriguez joins Trevor Hoffman, who won the honor in the National League, as baseball's top closers for the past season.

"I know Francisco is very happy to be awarded the 2006 Rolaids Relief Man Award," said Rodriguez's agent Paul Kinzer, who spoke on behalf of his client. "It's an accomplishment for any relief pitcher, but Francisco is still so young that to receive the award at his age is a real honor."

Hoffman, who at 38 years old, posted the second-highest save total of his career with 46, could also garner some votes for the NL Cy Young Award that will be announced on Nov. 14.

"I am very honored to have been named the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award winner," Hoffman said. "However, this award would not have been possible without the work of my fellow relievers in the bullpen, one of the top bullpens in the League in 2006."

Rodriguez edged Hoffman by one save to lead Major League Baseball with 47. It was his second straight 40-plus save season and broke the Angels' franchise mark of 46 set by Bryan Harvey in 1991.

Based on a formula that awards points for saves and wins but subtracts from that total for blown saves and losses, Rodriguez posted a 2-3 record for a total of 134. He also had a 1.73 ERA. Hoffman went 0-2 with a 2.14 ERA and a Rolaids point total of 124.


Francisco Rodriguez recorded 47 saves for the Angels in 2006 in 69 games with a 1.79 ERA. (Chris Carlson/AP)

__________________
la_faker_81



GO ANGELS

Well he's kind of had it in me ever since i accidentally ran over his dog. Actually, replace "accidentally" with "repeatedly" and replace "dog" with "son".