Report: Unnamed Mets Veteran Says 'Too Much Baggage' For K-Rod Reunion
NEW YORK (WFAN) -- Two Mets players said all the right things this weekend about a possible reunion with Francisco Rodriguez.
Catcher Josh Thole insisted Rodriguez shouldn't be judged solely on "one mistake," his infamous 2010 arrest at Citi Field.
"The people outside don't know what kind of guy this guy is," Thole told the New York Post.
Responding to reports that New York could target Milwaukee's setup man at the trading deadline, reliever Tim Byrdak said K-Rod was a "great guy" and a "good teammate."
But apparently it's not all so hunky-dory. K-Rod returning to Queens "is less popular in the clubhouse" than other options, according to the New York Daily News.
"Despite what guys might say publicly, I think there is too much baggage there," an unnamed veteran told the paper. "Why would you go there?"
There's little doubt the Mets need bullpen help -- as illustrated by Wednesday's loss to the Phillies -- but it seems there's another priority in the clubhouse. A "prominent" yet anonymous player told the Daily News the team needs to go after a right-handed bat. His idea expressed "a desire felt elsewhere in the room," according to the paper.
"We can't hit lefties," he said.
Rodriguez was traded to Milwaukee during the All-Star break last year. He has said he'd be open to donning the blue and orange again.
"Who knows," K-Rod said during last year's NLCS. "In the future I could be wearing a Mets uniform."
The 30-year-old is 1-4 with a 4.06 ERA in 41 games this season.
Should the Mets even consider K-Rod? Is there more of a need for a right-handed bat? Make your case in the comments below...
