Francisco Rodriguez Partakes In A Moment Of Quiet Reflection

One day after the Angels broke the record for earliest clinching of the AL West, reliever Francisco Rodriguez started the real celebration. F-Rod earned his 57th save in LA's 7-4 win over the Mariners, tying the major league record set by Bobby Thigpen of the Chicago White Sox in 1990. By all accounts, he was a little excited about it. Holy crap. After this, what's he going to do when he breaks the record? Juggle cats? "I have to give credit to my teammates," Rodriguez said. "I'd be really, really selfish if I said I set it by myself. But that's what I get paid for. That's my job right there." Mike Scioscia, that old softy, got downright misty over Rodriguez's accomplishment. "When you're sitting on a seven-run lead, really the furthest thing from your mind is, when do you get your closer up?'' Scioscia said. More significantly, however, the Angels now have 89 wins; giving them a one-game lead over Tampa Bay in the race for best record in the American League, and the home field advantage therein. Although with the kind of crowds the Rays draw, home field advantage isn't going to do them much good anyway. Freeway World Series, he were come? Angels' Francisco Rodriguez Ties Record For Saves [Los Angeles Times]