I believe K-Rod is his listed age. Since 9/11 there has been a pretty big crackdown on Visa enforcement and one of the results has been fewer age-gate related scandals. Since Rodriguez has played Winter Ball in the past, I know he’s been out of the country and subject to this process.

And there’s much more than saves to being a valuable fantasy reliever. Last year Brian Fuentes had 30 saves and a $13.17 fantasy value. Meanwhile George Sherrill had 31 saves and a $7.84 value.

I appreciate this article, but I actually think there are more long-term, real life criticism of K-Rod’s peripherals than fantasy criticism. In my opinion, I believe his value going into ’09 is almost the same as it was this past season. He’s still going to award you with 35-40 saves (the only real important stat in fantasy) on that team while the ERA, WHIP and K’s are just bonuses if they good as well. On a personal note, the addition of the change-up is promising but I’m not completely buying the fact that, that is the reason for his drops in velocity. Just as well, Putz is must handcuff for K-Rod owners going into next season.

Also, am I the only one in America that doesn’t think K-Rod is really 26?