Francisco Rodriguez

ANGELS CLOSER

On pursuing Bobby Thigpen's single-season record of 57 saves
I don't think about it. My goal this season was just to do better than last year when I saved 40. Maybe if I'm close in September I'll think about it. When I retire I want to be known as one of the top three closers ever.

On ditching his goggles last year
I wear contacts now and I'm comfortable. But my mom gives me a hard time. She said Superman isn't Superman without his cape and I'm not Frankie without my glasses.

On his nickname, K-Rod
During the 2002 playoffs [when he struck out 28 in 18 2/3 innings] guys first started calling me K-Rod after games. It's a good nickname because you've got to earn it, but I've got so many nicknames. They call me Pancho, or Frankie; back home they also call me Kid or Nene.

On being raised among 13 siblings by his grandparents in Caracas
I had a difficult childhood in a rough neighborhood, but I made the best of it. Every time I took a shower, 10 minutes later I was dirty again. I used to dance like Michael Jackson. My first glove was a milk carton. I was the only one [on my team] without a glove. It's difficult to think about where I am compared with where I came from.

On his violent, almost chaotic, delivery
I've been doing it since I was a kid—the motion came naturally. I was small and skinny, but I threw as hard as I did because of my delivery. I threw so hard the kids in my league wouldn't play with me! I used to get sore shoulders, arms and elbows from twisting my body.

On being in the last year of his contract
I don't know what will happen after the season at all—I mean at all. So I'm not going to say anything.