Rodriguez's flair rubs some the wrong way

He's a melange of pirouettes, fist pumps and primordial screams. Francisco Rodriguez is perhaps the most demonstrative pitcher in the majors, punctuating his strikeouts and saves with clenched fists and roars.

Twenty-four times this season the Los Angeles Angels' closer has exultantly raised both arms skyward, following every one of his major-league-leading saves, each show of emotion displayed with a kiss on his right hand before held to the heavens.

He has more saves, 155, than anyone else since 2005 -- and every one presents another opportunity for showmanship from the 26-year-old Venezuelan.

Things like that tend to get noticed. Especially by opponents.

"I know a lot of people have strong opinions, and I've talked to a few of the older relievers that have played in the league, and I know they definitely have some opinions on it that probably aren't good to say on paper," Chicago White Sox third baseman Joe Crede said.

That came a day after Rodriguez locked up a win with a foot stomp into the Chicago field's turf in addition to the yells, fist pumps and gestures.

"Why do they let him get away with that stuff? Somebody should have a talk with that guy," Sox outfielder Brian Anderson complained to the Chicago Tribune that night.

Rodriguez explains that he raises his arms to thank God, and the kiss is directed at his grandfather, who passed away in 1999 -- Rodriguez's first year in the minors -- and whom he refers to as his dad.

"I don't hear any complaints from veteran hitters, superstars ... I'm going to hear from a bench player?" Rodriguez said in response to Anderson's disgust.

"The only thing I have to worry about is getting the job done," he added, "and I don't have to worry about anyone else."

However, Rodriguez acknowledged he's heard grumbling over his career.

"All the time. I don't care. Why would I care about that? I only care about my job," he said. "I'm not changing it. I don't care what people say. That's my way. People can say I'm arrogant, a (jerk), anything they want to say. But me, I'm going to live my world. I don't care what people think or say."

And he's far from the only one. There are plenty of players who have celebrated in their own way.

Barry Bonds was notorious for watching all of his home runs land. Sammy Sosa had his hop before his trot, and Bret Boone flipped his bat after connecting on a long ball. Boston slugger David Ortiz often takes several strides before breaking into his home run trot.

Dennis Eckersley upset countless players in his Hall of Fame career as a closer, pumping his fists and shouting. Carlos Perez often spun and yelled and pumped his fist on the mound following what seemed like every strikeout. One Angel said he's heard complaints about Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon's reactions.

"I've learned through my trials and tribulations that if you do it that way, you are vocal and demonstrative and things like that, when it doesn't go your way, the other team tends to let you know," Detroit closer Todd Jones said.

Yet it seems Rodriguez has escaped that while converting 170 of 197 save chances in his career.

"The only guy I can compare Frankie to is Dennis Eckersley," said Mark Gubicza, a former pitcher and current Angels broadcaster. "I know guys on our bench wanted to hit a 900-foot home run against him, and I'm sure players would love an opportunity to get Frankie."

"You show someone the respect that they've shown you," Detroit Tigers infielder Brandon Inge said.

Teammate Torii Hunter defended Rodriguez's end-of-game displays, saying, "It's time for a celebration because it's over."

"You can do it all you want because if I hit a home run and the game's over, I'm going to jump into a crowd at home plate," Hunter said.

What everyone seems to agree on is that things have evolved to this point, where hitters can watch their homers without fear of the Don Drysdale treatment and pitchers can let their emotions overcome them.

"I just think that the game has changed and you have to deal with the changes," Crede said.

Perhaps Jones, a 15-year veteran, sums it up best.

"Just because I wouldn't doesn't mean it's wrong," he said. "Just because he would doesn't mean it's right."

E-mail Matt Hurst at mhurst(at)PE.com

(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.scrippsnews.com.)