5 Game winning streak ends with a blown save in the 9th!

On a night to commemorate the ever improving Erick Aybar with a Bobble Head, the Angels lose and it was a bit of a heart breaker.  Jered Weaver carried a one run lead into the eight inning.  Smart base running with Aybar and a timely hit Abreu gave the Halos a 1 run lead which was followed up with Morales Home Run driving in Matsui.  The night was looking great.  Even Jason Bulger looked good in the eight, holding the advancing Tigers.  But with the Ninth inning came chaos!

It was well documented that Mike Scioscia was going to put Fuentes out there.  It was no surprise to anyone, well at least not to me.  I even added Fuentes to my fantasy baseball team, because I expected him to be plopped right back into his closer role.  Scioscia is well known for his loyalty to his guys.  Fuentes who was the league saves leader was expected to close out this one run game.  However, Fuentes also blew a lot of saves last year.  And he did it again.  I feel for the guy.  He is coming back from an injury and just didn't look like he was right.  Maybe a few more bullpen session in Rancho could have helped.  It doesn't the fans frustration with Fuentes, when Rodney has just had 5 scoreless 9th Innings in a row.  I kept thinking that although Fuentes blew the save, maybe he'd set himself up for a relief win, by getting out the inning.  And a case of a bad swing at a bad pitch just so happened to work out in the favor of the Tigers.  Fuentes job at closer is secure for now, but I think the Angel faithful believe Rodney would have closed it out. 

Rodney, Rodney, say that you Rodney!

This post took me a while to write, because I have mixed emotions on Fernando Rodney.  On one hand, you look at the guy who had 37 saves out of 38 attempts.  It has to be considered that Rodney will be in Anaheim to move into that closer role.  If Scott Shields is healthy, he should slot right back into the 8th inning, as a setup man.  And although Brian Fuentes as a closer had a league leading 48 saves, he also blew 7 regular season save attempts with one big blown save in the post season.  Even if they decide to close by committee, if gives Mike Scioscia options on finishing games.  Plus with Fuentes making less appearances will keep his contract from investing the 3rd year option. 

But any Detroit fan will tell you that Rodney in non-save situtations has been shakey at best.  Fortunately for the Angels he probably won't be put into that position. His ERA is also in the 4.00.  But to counter point that, Rodney playing in Anaheim could be a different story.  However, if the idea is to put Rodney in a set up position, I definitely question the motives of the Angels Front Office.  Allowing lefty Oliver to sign with the Rangers didn't enhance the bullpen.  But if Fuentes tries to fill out Oliver's spot, the Angels might have something very special in that bullpen.  With Jepsen, Bulger, and probably Rich Thompson, the bullpen could be lights out.

What do you think of Rodney as the Angels closer.