KRod sent to the hospital

Met's closer Fransisco Rodriguez was taken to the hospital yesterday with severe back spasms. I heard about almost immediately after the game on Twitter. News was just breaking. It went from he is seeking medical attention to he just collapsed to they are putting him on a stretcher and he is crying uncontrollably with the EMTs.

I was shocked to hear this. I often curse K-Rod mainly because he is so crazy good. I knew we would lose Game 1 since there is no way we were getting 2 runs off K-Rod....no way.

Here is a blog from the NY Post about what happened with K-Rod yesterday.

"I've never been through the type of pain I'm having right now," Rodriguez said. "It's a struggle even to walk."...

"They came out of nowhere," he said. "I was getting my running in and I stopped because my back locked up. I came in to get some treatment and some adjustment, but it made it a lot worse. I couldn't even move for an hour. It's been a really tough day."

For today, it has been reported he is out of the hospital and has reported to Fenway Park. He walked in on his own and did not need to be transported by a wheelchair. I wish nothing but health and a quick recovery to K-Rod. I never like hearing anyone is hurt and to be honest, I've always had a fondness for the guy. I can't imagine how scared the guy had to be. This came on so quickly and he had to have no idea what was going on.

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Meet the Mets

To get ready for the first inter-league series of the season against the Mets, Fenway West interviewed Andrew Vazzano from the great Mets blog The 'Ropolitans.

FW: Is Johan Santana going to win the NL Cy Young this year?

The 'Ropolitans: Yes. Despite the best efforts of the bullpen in 2008, Santana had a realistic shot at the award last year. With Francisco Rodriguez around to close out games this time around, there is little doubt in my mind that Santana will need some extra space on his mantle when this season comes to a close.

FW: Can Sheff make up for the loss of Carlos Delgado?

The 'Ropolitans: No, but he's going to get plenty of chances. Sheff has hit two home runs this season and though his bat speed is still there, the power is lacking. He's getting on top of a lot of pitches, chopping them into the ground, and that's really hurt his approach at the plate. Batting fourth in the lineup, he's hitting .351 with six RBIs. Everywhere else in the lineup, he's 5/24.

FW: The Mets have had some PR and on the field disasters this season, is the team focused enough to win the division?

The 'Ropolitans: I think so. The NL East hasn't really surprised me at all this year. All the teams are struggling to find pitchers that can preform at the major league level behind their aces. Though the Mets just lost four in a row and fell out of first place, I think they have a definite shot at taking the pennant in '09.

FW: Do Mets fans like inter-league play?

The 'Ropolitans: I know I don't speak for all of Mets fans, but I do enjoy it. It's fun to see teams they don't normally play. One thing: I hate the DH. Always have, always will. That's the one thing I don't like.

FW: Is Beltran now the player the Mets thought he was when they signed him?

The 'Ropolitans: With respect to Jacoby Ellsbury, I think Carlos Beltran is the best center fielder in the major leagues. He has to deal with a carousel of outfielders filling in on either side of him, which cannot be easy. He's gotten off to a ridiculous start this season, and almost consistently puts up the same numbers. If you expect .280, with 20 home runs and 100 RBIs out of him, that is what you'll get. Anything more and you're kidding yourself. Oh, and a Gold Glove each year too.

FW: How has K-Rod adjusted to National League hitters?

So far, so good. K-Rod hasn't forgotten how to put on a show, either. Runners still reach base and he knows how to make it interesting. At least Mets fans are used to that after Luis Ayala's stint as closer last season. As a fan, I couldn't be happier with Frankie. Everyone was worried about his velocity dropping before the Mets signed him, but it hasn't seemed to bother him one bit on the mound.

FW: What are your predictions for this 3-game series with the Red Sox?

The 'Ropolitans: Hopefully the Mets can win one game. If any, I think the first game is their best shot with Dice K coming off the DL and facing Santana. Beckett and Pelfrey should be quite a show, though. And I don't think the Mets stand a chance against Wakefield. There will be quite a breeze blowing through Fenway from all the over-eager swings on Sunday.

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One Picture Says A Thousand Words

K-Rod, post JD Drew dinger.

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Hello From the Cactus League

Scottsdale is 2280 miles from Fort Myers, but it's closer to drive down here from Durango, CO where I live. So, while I don't get to watch the Sox games in person, I can check out some of the other teams that they will face this year.

Today I was in Scottsdale Stadium for the Giants-Angels game. Proving once again that Hank Steinbrenner is a dumbass, there were lots of people in Red Sox hats, while I only saw one guy in a Yankees hat.

The Angels are going to be good this year. They have a solid offensive lineup. Vlad hit a double off the outfield fence that must have permanently dented the fence. Figgins went 2 for 2 and stole a base (grab him in your fantasy draft if you can). Jered Weaver pitched very well. He threw 5 innings of shutout ball giving up only 2 hits. K-Rod also pitched a scoreless inning.

The Giants on the other hand looked dismal. Their "ace" Matt Cain was shelled in the first inning, giving up 5 runs. He settled down later in the game, but the Giants proved they have no offense. They are in for a long season. The Angels won the game 5-2.

If you can't be in Fort Myers and see the Sox during Spring Training, I highly recommend the Cactus League. Unlike Florida, all of the teams are relatively close together. You can spend a week in AZ in the same location and see the majority of the teams. Thanks to the Internet, you can check in on the Sox score in between innings.

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