At some point, you can expect Francisco Rodriguez’s save celebrations to prompt some Joba-like controversy.
Joba Chamberlain’s tendency to deliver exuberant fist pumps on the mound has drawn its share of attention. With K-Rod coming to the Mets, there’s going to be a new animated reliever in town. And it’ll be interesting to see if opponents – or even fans – get bothered.
In July, according to the L.A. Times, Rodriguez’s celebration after saving a game against the A’s caused a stir.
The story said Rodriguez was “double-pumping his arms toward the ground and then thrusting them toward the sky.”
Oakland’s Jack Cust told the paper, “I don’t think he’s got too many fans in this clubhouse. . . . That’s what he does; guys know that’s his reaction. We would have been pumped, too, if we won. If he’s overwhelmed with the win, that’s fine. I don’t usually have enough energy for that.”
The Mets’ celebrations after home runs have been criticized – particularly those of Jose Reyes.