Apparently the Oakland A's are a bit offended by Francisco Rodriguez's show of emotion -- particularly following the last out of the game yesterday. Here's how Jack Cust describes it:
"I don't think he's got too many fans in this clubhouse."
There are a few things we know: First, Frankie is a super-emotional guy -- so much so that there were a couple of years there when, in a bad inning, it seemed like you could see his mind dissolving into mush before your eyes. Second, in baseball you do not show up anybody, unless you enjoy beanball wars. Third, baseball players take themselves way too seriously.
So when does the show of emotion come off like rubbing it in? I think it depends on your point of view: obviously most A's fans are going to be offended, whereas most Halos fans are going to point to K-Rod's emotion being an integral part of his game. But I think history will see Frankie's outbursts being more about him than about sticking it in the face of his opponents. He'll be regarded as another colorful (if controversial) character in the game.
What do YOU think? We will play "Cool or Lame?" in the poll (probably to be stuffed by angry AN trolls), but feel free to qualify your answer in the comments.
0 recs | 78 comments
it's a pretty weird move, and the pointing to the sky is silly
To me, thanking God for a sports victory is ridiculous, but that’s another thread altogether. But as long as Frankie’s not obviously rubbing it in someone else’s face, then I’m ok with it. Consider it another superstition—if he can keep closing games, then by all means keep doing it!
yeswecan - July 14, 2008
Thanking God??
From what I have heard, he is actually thanking and remembering his Grandfather who raised him. If it WAS thanking God, I think I could accept it a little better. I wish he would tone it down. I understand emotion, but with age comes maturity, and he seems to be regressing. Just my opinion.
Hapyorange - July 14, 2008
Thanking God?
Maybe he’s thanking God that he’s not in a Caracas slum. Dude, I’ve been there—its an unbelievable toilet. I would be thanking God before, during and after the appearance.
Moondoggy - July 14, 2008
PANTHER!!!!!!!
Hapyorange - July 14, 2008
"Reach for the sky 'cause tomorrow may never come"
Downing Rules - July 14, 2008
i think its fine to show emotion
especially at that high of a level, where significant things like job security are at stake. he’s now also chasing the single season save record, which makes it an even bigger deal. i appreciate humble players who don’t need to celebrate after every home run/big play/big pitch (e.g. morneau, ga), but its fun to see guys out there who are really into the game. the bases were loaded with one out and he struck two guys out to save a huge come from behind win against our biggest rivals. i’d say that situation especially warrants some emotion.
NoDakHalo - July 14, 2008
You go Frankie
a. A’ss fans are cry baby whiner pansies.
b. I really, trully, sincerely, without and ounce of pity, could give a damn what any A’ss fan thinks.
Just my opinion. I’m sure there are many who would take a kinder approach.
vladtheimpaler - July 14, 2008
And this, my friends, is the only post you need to read on the entire subject.
QED.
shiftyeyedgoat - July 14, 2008
I'm okay with it if the meaning I've heard from Angels Broadcasters is true.....
I think it was Physioc that told a story about Frankie being raised by his grandparents who are now deceased, and he is pointing to heaven to thank them for watching over him and blessing him with success.
Rangers fans are far worse at bitching and moaning about Franke than A’s fans are, but I’ve found just about every blog of every team we play always complains about
Frankie’s antics. They hate being beaten over and over by Frankie Rodriquez and all they can find to bitch about is him pointing to the sky at the end and his violent delivery on the mound.
44FAN - July 14, 2008
I love it.
Frankie is my favorite player because of his “antics”. I like how he shows emotion in his game. As much as I also like G.A. its kinda hard to watch a game if a guy looks board out of his mind while playing the best sport ever with one of the best franchises ever. I would be smiling every second if I were in the big leagues, unless I played for the A’ss or the Red Soxs, I know all of us would be thanking God everyday, every inning and every at-bat to be in the Big Leagues. The pointing to the sky thing is genius. I wish I thought of that. He is the best in the game. Let him do what he wants.
docescobar07 - July 14, 2008
i dont mind him fist pumping and looking up to the heavens
but it seems that lately he takes it further and further and at some point its going to just be too much i think
Sorbo182 - July 14, 2008
i think its getting further and further
because he keeps putting himself into holes.
I got it! Since the angels dont get any coverage on ESPN, Frankie decides to make the game really close, then strike out the side so he can do some crazy fist pumping and get onto ESPN!
anaheim angels - July 14, 2008
I love it
Of course, now that it’s a contract year he may be putting some extra ‘oomph’ into those fist pumps.
Chone's Chonies - July 14, 2008
Speaking of a contract year
Have contract talks between the Angels and Rodriguez begun? You gotta think they’re gonna spend the money, but with teams like the Yankees (Rivera can’t play forever) in the mix, you know the price tag is going to be huge. How much is Moreno willing to spend?
ktrain203 - July 14, 2008
See fanpost response.
Zu Long - July 14, 2008
He's not Rube Foster
Who used to turn cartwheels on the mound after a victory.
I can see the issue other teams may take with him, not because they get so personally butt-hurt, but because it’s atypical behavior for the sport. We expect baseball players to be less demonstrative. I respect and appreciate that kind of dignity.
And I hope that next year if Frankie’s with a different AL team I still feel the same way.
But he’s not going to change, and there’s really nothing in-your-face about his victorious outbursts. If I were he, and I had this nerve-wracking habit of loading up 2+ runners and then had to sqeeze a strikeout from the potential winning batter, I’m not sure I wouldn’t be shouting to the heavens if I managed to pull it off.
If Frankie’s “antics” were in danger of setting a new precedent of undignified behavior in the sport, I would be concerned. But I doubt that is going to happen.
So suck it up.
Zoe Necrosis - July 14, 2008
Also, frankie is facing away from the batter
you cant show people up if your not looking at them. the other people that try to show the other team up (red sux, j. guillen) always stare at the other team and move slowly, as if devoid from emotion. It is a calculated thought that they decided to do before they got up for the AB. Frankie on the other hand, faces our team, thanking them for the defense while pointing to the sky (nobody had a problem with Sosa pointing to the sky after a HR) in a release of adrenaline. It isnt planned out before, and is completely spontaneous.
anaheim angels - July 14, 2008
And one more thing
If I may be candid?
To be honest, I love watching Frankie win. And the more emotional he gets, the more I like it.
Zoe Necrosis - July 14, 2008
I think more concerning is that he we’ll see it being more about Frankie and less about the team winning. Which is why he won’t be pitching for the Angels beyond 2008.
Sethy - July 14, 2008
I don't really mind it
I remember that Nick Swisher for a while would point to the sky to his grandmother after a base hit.
Hit4TheCycle - July 14, 2008
I love it - especially against whiny losers like the A's.
hey Choakland, if you don’t like it, try beating us – you got nobody to blame but yourself for seeing Frankie repeatedly celebrate on you. What, should we no longer have congratulations on another team’s field now because they “don’t like it”?
it would be one thing if Frankie hadn’t done it consistently over his career. and I think the fact that Frankie doesn’t stare at the opponent and scream in their faces (his back is generally turned to home plate when he points skyward) should show that it’s just his own thing and nothing in the face of an opponent.
get over yourselves losers and realize that K-Rod is simply the man this year. If you can’t beat him, get used to seeing the guy celebrate.
sour grapes – you know they’d love it if he were pitching for them.
gdog009 - July 14, 2008
Missing poll option
3. Neither lame nor cool, just Frankie.
red floyd - July 14, 2008
seconded
anaheim angels - July 14, 2008
the whole point of "cool or lame"
the whole idea of the game is that there are NO other options—you cannot stand on the fence. when push comes to shove, you must choose one or the other, no matter what the conditions.
yeswecan - July 14, 2008
The A's have not right to complain last night
Frankie had just broken the record for most saves before the All Star Break.
It may be no World Series, but 38 saves is an accomplishment that’s going to take years to match in all probability.
TheTypingFiend - July 14, 2008
Until Manny Ramirez takes one in the ear hole for staring down every single home run
Frankie’s actions pale in comparison. Not that I whole heartedly approve…and Torii’s little bat flip for balls that don’t even leave the yard is getting old already.
Captain Awesome - July 14, 2008
He's not the only one.
Tom Gordon used to point to the sky after a save and Eckersly was very demonstrative. Even the great Mariano will get emotional after a particularly good appearance. Bottom line—if you don’t like it, get a freakin’ hit.
Moondoggy - July 14, 2008
I effing love it
...and I’m an atheist.
you keep on pointing to god/jesus/dead grandparents/joe pesci, Frankie.
Hutch83 - July 14, 2008
Love it
Frankie is one of the best damn closers in all of baseball. He earned his right to be happy every time he manages another save. He’s making it VERY difficult to himself all the time so give him a break.
infant - July 14, 2008
I don't have a problem with it
I mean as fans we should want players to show emotion right?
I’d much rather watch 25 K-Rods than 25 Darin Erstads. Seriously how boring would that be to watch Darin hit a game winning homerun only to walk back to the dugout with 24 other Darins?
MH252525 - July 14, 2008
lol at this
norcaliangelsfan - July 14, 2008
My opinion is this........(and i said this over at AN right before I got banned)
The A’s fans probably wouldnt mind so much if Frankie was THEIR closer….....not many other teams would (they tried to play the “oh it would still bother me” but I seriously doubt it….......anyways….....I could care less what Frankie does after he gets the save….....as long as he GOT the save :)
norcaliangelsfan - July 14, 2008
I love it and especially like the fist pump prior to the K. He knows the pitch is that good.
BTW who Jack Cust and why is he talking?
hauldog - July 14, 2008
I like the fact that Jack Cust thinks he can talk about showboating
when during the game he sat at the plate for about a year watching his homer leave.
Zu Long - July 14, 2008
Jack Wipe the Cust off my ass
Spent 15 minutes the other night preening himself and smiling for the cameras after he went yard. He was ALL ABOUT JACK CUST then.
Fuck him and what he says about Frankie. Next Angels pitcher to face him drills him in the nads. Between the left and right nut if he’s got two. Hopefully it’s Moseley on a spot start (good control but doesn’t throw hard enough to injure Cust for life).
highlandhalo - July 14, 2008
The A'ss hate it
then i love it!
as long as it’s not toward the other team then who gives a flying dung
Funke5ive - July 14, 2008
exactly
if you notice, his post save celebration face is almost never toward either of the dugouts. this is a salute to the rest of his squad and himself on the victory. then he takes it in for the high five and the hug from his catcher. there is routine in all of this, and in my opinion it is in no way intended to mock his opposing team. jack cust (aka strike out king of the bay) can suck it.
Of Angels and Angles - July 14, 2008
Objectively, I'm of the philosophy that one must act like they've done it before,
like they expect it to happen, especially during the regular season. Save the dramatics for when it counts in October.
Subjectively speaking, it’s Frankie being Frankie in a potentially historic run, so who cares so long as he keeps the mojo flowing. I’d much rather see him look like a wild jackass after chalking up a save than watching him take the long walk of shame and dejection back to the dugout after a bed shitting.
Big Easy Halofan - July 14, 2008
You beat me to it...
I always believe you should act like you have done it before and thats your job. Save the dramatics for the final out of Game 7.
And I don’t believe his run is all that historic, maybe for the modern era that actually tracks the “save” statistic and gives a guy a three run pad. Watching Frankie celebrate wildly after giving up two runs and leaving the bases loaded in a game is actually kind of embarrasing and I would be real irritated if it was against us.
Wytelitning - July 14, 2008
Wasn't it Tom Landry
Who told his players, “When you get into the end zone, act like you’ve been there before”?
red floyd - July 14, 2008
Uh, A's fan -- REMEMBER DENNIS ECKERSLEY?
Fist-pumper, finger-pointer extraordinaire. Porn Stache No. 1. If you have a problem with our fist-pumper, finger-in-the-sky pointing fireman, one needs only point to the ‘stache for a little historical hypocrisy lesson. Humility was served cold on that balmy October night in L.A. back in ‘88.
Last I heard, Gibson’s ball is still traveling somewhere over the ionosphere. Somewhere, Tom Neidenfuer and The Eck are mumbling incoherently in some shack “Laces out, Laces out …......”
PieceOfAase - July 14, 2008
Eck also blew it in Game 4 of the ALCS in 1992
With 2 on in the 8th inning and trying to protect a 6-2 lead, he gave up hits to allow the two runners to score. Then in the 9th, still with a 6-4 lead, he gave up a two-run homer to Alomar to tie the game. The Jays won in extra-innings, took a commanding 3-1 series lead, and finished off the A’s in Game 6.
Eck was a jackass and was MUCH worse than Frankie when it came to showing up opponents. But that stuff was 15+ years ago so today’s A’s fans are either too young and weren’t around back then, or simply have forgotten his antics. Which is odd; I thought an elephant never forgets.
Fan Since 1981 - July 14, 2008
elephants have selective memory.
in 145 years i guarantee they will still remember the frankie dropped ball. what they will not remember is the fact that we have been a much better team than them for at least 2000-present
anaheim angels - July 14, 2008
Not actually true.
2002-present maybe. But 2001 and 2000 were both playoff years for them, not to mention 2003. So far this century, they are up one in playoff appearances (or tied if you don’t count 2000 as part of this century, which technically it isn’t)
Zu Long - July 14, 2008
They all complain now
But which team is going to say they don’t want him as a teammate next season because of his show of emotion? They will be climbing all over each other to sign him.
Closers will always get away with showing emotion because the other team can’t retaliate, at least not in the same game.
Rally Manatee - July 14, 2008
Frankie will be lame...
when the rest of baseball – A’ss included – starting calmly packing their gear and santering off tot he clubhouse after walk-off winning hits. Especially walk-off HR’s.
But, personally, I hope it never comes to that. It’s a friggin’ GAME!!!
Stirrups - July 14, 2008
"sauntering" "to the"
typical Stirrups typos corrected here…
Stirrups - July 14, 2008
Closers?
It’s kind of closers thing, no? There’s a few closers that show emotion.
I know as a Boston hater, it makes me sick to my stomach seeing Papelbon (douche) dancing around after a save. But as an Angel, I love the Frankie howl.
thrill000 - July 14, 2008
Mariano Rivera
Class.
Carl Johnson - July 14, 2008
I generally don't like the "all about me" showboating in baseball
Manny’s arm flapping is particularly annoying (the Angels should have decked him in Game 3 last year). I don’t mind celebration or showing of emotion but demonstrations that bring undue attention to a player rather than a team are tough for me to take. This is an age thing, a generation thing. If Manny Ramirez did his arm flapping to Nolan Ryan (or Don Drysdale or Bob Gibson) he might as well as dig his grave. Today’s players are more into the professional wrestling mentality of showmanship.
Frankie’s celebration is after the game is actually over which makes it less of a problem and I think it has personal meaning to him and the fact that it bothers A’s fans is a good thing. But I would rather have the closer, let out a yell or smile and then shake the catcher’s hand. Barry Sanders was once asked why he didn’t spike the football in the endzone or do a dance, he reply was something like, when you score a touchdown, you should act like you have been in the endzone before. I like this advice for all baseball players also but again it is generational.
tanana40 - July 14, 2008
Marcus Allen
was the same way. No parties.
red floyd - July 14, 2008
my favorite football player
of all time. the worst i’ve ever seen him do was high five….still hate Al Davis for hindering his career.
SCHalo - July 14, 2008
I'm with Stirrups.
Franky’s mound celebration (and that of any other closer) after a victory will be lame only when other teams stop celebrating when they get game winning hits off of him.
TheOptimist - July 14, 2008
I just don't get it.
What are his dead grandparents doing in outer space?
Higz - July 14, 2008
is it just me or is it ironic that the halos have atheists rooting for them...
anaheim angels - July 14, 2008
I also enjoy angel-hair pasta
Higz - July 14, 2008
Angel hair is pretty tasty
anaheim angels - July 14, 2008
I believe in rigatoni
‘Sabout it.
Zoe Necrosis - July 14, 2008
That takes the cake.
Stirrups - July 14, 2008
Angel's food cake
I assume
red floyd - July 14, 2008
You know all about
The Flying Spaghetti Monster, right?
red floyd - July 14, 2008
Does the Pope shit in the woods?
Higz - July 14, 2008
Don't know about the current one
but JPII did…. :)
red floyd - July 14, 2008
Beat me to it!
May you be touched by his noodly appendages. Atheists forsooth!
halofan91 - July 14, 2008
But then...
How do we explain Pittsburgh’s horrible record this year? After all, Pirates are special to His Noodliness!
red floyd - July 15, 2008
And add to that
the fact that Reagins is a Ninja!
red floyd - July 15, 2008
Immature
But it is Frankie being Frankie. I prefer Percival acting like he’s done it a million times before, but so what? If you don’t like what Frankie is doing, then get a hit off him. Everytime I see a walkoff hit off Frankie, the other team runs onto the field. That’s a much bigger celebration than what Frankie does.
HungryHunter - July 14, 2008
I may be biased..
But I really don’t see what the big deal is. As was mentioned in a number of previous posts:
1) It’s not like K-Rod is facing the batter after he gets the save to rub it in anyone’s face. Game’s over. You lost, now mind your own frigg’n business. What’s next, not allowing teams to run out of the dug-out when one of their players hits a walk-off homerun?
2) Think about how much emotion is building up. Shit I’m jumping up a down and screaming after he gets the save. Is Frankie not allowed such liberties?
Would you prefer Frankie pulling a Manny Ramirez and walking off with no emotion like he’s got somewhere else to be? Don’t we love to see players that are into the game? Isn’t this what we pay all that money for?
Look at how many people jump on GA becuase he looks “lazy” when he plays.
These are the same people who want to outlaw Little League All-Star games becuase it might hurt the kids who didn’t make the cut. Gimmie a frigg’n break.
Scuff - July 14, 2008
Huh?
Everybody in Little League who is NOT the son of the coach, or the coach’s neighbor, fails to make the cut. I thought that was the rule? That’s how I got over it when I was 9. And 10. And 11. And 12. It kept me from being bitter, or dwelling on it 40 years later.
Stirrups - July 14, 2008
obviously lol..........
norcaliangelsfan - July 14, 2008
I think...
he is pointing to the heavens and shouting at imaginary figures of Stoneman, Reagins, and Moreno….
“I’LL SHOW YOU SONSOFBEOTCHES THAT I DESERVED $20MIL PER YEAR! IN YOUR FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACES, YEEEEEAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!”
No offense meant to his on-field opponents at all. It’s all about the ca$hish.
Downing Rules - July 14, 2008
Whatever keeps him motivated.
Zu Long - July 14, 2008
Why is this even being discussed?
Isn’t it a bit silly to argue the method in which someone celebrates a VICTORY. Let me say that again: a VICTORY. Victories are meant to be celebrated, and though many of us have different methods in which we do so, the fact remains that winning generates excitement. Poor sportsmanship is one thing, but let’s not hold the players, who are human (no, really), to higher standards of celebration simply because they are on the field. They did the work that brought the victory, and so they celebrate. Save regimented discipline for where it’s needed: the military.
And ANYTHING, that offends the pathetic Jack Crust and the No-Cal battery-chucks that cheer on him and his booger-green outfitted cohorts seems more-than-appropriate to me. I didn’t know we were supposed to spare the other “team’s” hurt wittle feelings. We don’t care if you and you and your locker room butt buddies are fans of our closer or not. There are plenty of us packed in to that superior So-Cal ballpark who are, and I can assure you our celebratory antics are WAY more offensive than anything Frankie would do.
Red114 - July 14, 2008
I don't mind some emotion...
But Frankie goes kind of crazy. Having watched him do this so many times, I know he’s not showing anybody up, but I can see why other teams would think that. I’m not going to advocate for acting like someone just ran over your dog the whole time (see Anderson, Garret), but we’re talking about regular season games here. By all accounts, he had a pretty bad game on Sunday, but he was just as excited as if he’d struck out the side. There’s something to be said for consistency I guess.
I voted lame, mostly because I think you can be excited about winning and show emotion without giving the impression you’re showing the other team up, whether you intend it that way or not.
Gorbachav5 - July 14, 2008
Francisco Rodriguez is 26 years old
(a rare stat call-out from highlandhalo)
highlandhalo - July 14, 2008
A's fan here with my 2 cents
Do K-Rod’s celebrations annoy the crap out of me? Hell yes, they do! But it has more to do with me being mad that my team just lost and someone on the opposing team is looking really happy about it. It’s like pouring salt in my wound. It’s the same feeling when my team loses to a walk-off home run. I don’t keep the TV on to watch them jump up and down at home plate. I turn it off as soon as the ball clears the fence because I don’t want to see the other team celebrate.
Sure, I think K-Rod is over-the-top with his celebrations but if he was my guy, I’d probably love him, like I loved Dennis “point-and-fist-pump” Eckersley.
Kelly - July 14, 2008
Exactly
Yet somehow a guy who’s been playing ball his whole life doesn’t understand that. A guy who admires his own home-runs at the plate, mind you.
Red114 - July 14, 2008
Check out Saito's grin (Dodgers) after a save...
ticks me off…he looks so “sweet” and innocent, but you want to punch him anyway.
You are right, it is more that your team lost than anything.
Downing Rules - July 16, 2008
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