FanNation

As we talk about how awesome Mariano Rivera is, and how Jonathan Papelbon wanted to close the All-Star Game, and how the Cubs are in first, some things have gotten lost. Like the team with the best record in baseball right now: the Anaheim Angels. (Yea, I don't say "LA Angels". Deal with it) The Halos are now 61-39, with a whopping 9 game lead over 2nd place Oakland. And since they have gone largely unnoticed, you might wonder, "which players are making this team so good?". And do you know the biggest reason? The shutdown pitcher at the back end of the bullpen, Francisco Rodriguez.

On Tuesday night, Rodriguez, or "K-Rod" as he is known, recorded his 41st save of the season. That surpasses his total of last year, and he only has 62 games left to play. He has an outstading 2.20 ERA, and is only 6 saves short of the Angels franchise record. Through 100 games, his 41 saves are the most ever, 5 AHEAD of the second best, set by John Smoltz in 2002 and 2003. And we're talking about Jason Giambi's mustache. He has been completely lights out this year, with only 3 blown saves in his 44 chances. How much better could your favorite team be with a reliever like K-Rod at the end of the bullpen? Certainly a lot better, and that's what K-Rod has been this year. With Vladmir Guerrero not having his best season, and the pitching staff having to deal with injuries, Francicso is carrying this team to a division title.

So get on the K-Rod Bandwagon. And maybe, at the end of the season, look past Carlos Quentin, Evan Longoria, and A-Rod, and give your MVP vote to Francisco Rodriguez. He is the true definition of most valuable.