Open Court: Cy Young for K-Rod?

It’s been a dream season for Francisco Rodriguez.

The fire-balling closer with the knee-buckling slider has slammed more doors than an upset teenager, registering an unheard-of 57 saves so far this season, breaking Bobby Thigpen’s 18-year-old record.

With 14 games to play, there’s almost no doubt that he’ll be the first relief pitcher to collect 60 saves in a season.

He’s been a bit part of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim’s success, who currently lead the American League in wins.

Many baseball fans and journalists have been swept up in K-Rod mania. There’s been a groundswell of support for his Cy Young candidacy. Even a handful of K-Rod’s most unabashed supporters want to see his name appear on a few MVP ballots.

Stop. Just stop it. Stop it right now. This is spinning out of control.

It’s nothing against K-Rod. He’s been fantastic this season. If he steps to the mound, the Angels are 99 percent assured of a victory.

But let’s take a look at the facts before letting one amazing statistic overwhelm sound judgment.

As gifted as K-Rod is, it must be said that he is only pitching one inning a game. This season, Rodriguez has yet to collect more than three outs in any of his appearances.

He never has to see hitters more than once. Starters typically have to see the same hitters three or four times per contest and still come up with ways to get them out.

He’s thrown 69 total innings this season — or one-third of a typical starting pitcher’s work load.

A closer should only be considered for major postseason awards if he has been completely, totally, unequivacobly unhittable, like the vintage Mariano Rivera or that (alleged) steroid-influenced Eric Gagne season.

K-Rod? He’s currently sporting a 2.42 ERA -— higher than fellow AL relievers Rivera (1.43), Joakim Sora (1.74), Jonathan Papelbon (1.89), Bobby Jenks (2.33) and the unstoppable Joe Nathan (1.03). His 1.29 WHIP (walks and hits per innings pitched) is also a bit high for a dominant closer. Let’s not forget that he’s blown six saves, as well.

And it’s not like the American League is desperate for a Cy Young candidate. Cleveland’s Cliff Lee is enjoying the best all-around pitching season in the majors (21-2, 2.28 ERA, 201.2 innings pitched, 1.05 WHIP) and should capture every Cy Young vote available. If Jake Peavy could win the NL’s honor unanimously last season, Lee’s campaign deserves that sort of recognition.

Yes, K-Rod has been remarkable. But sanity and reason must prevail over one jaw-dropping number.

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