By working a scoreless ninth inning in the Angels' 5-2 victory over the Mariners on Saturday night, Francisco Rodriguez notched his 58th save, breaking Bobby Thigpen's 18-year-old major-league record of 57.
It became clear some time ago that Rodriguez would probably break the record, barring an injury. At the All-Star break, he'd picked up saves in 38 of the Angels' 95 games (40 percent). For the rest of the season, he needed to save just 20 of 67 games (30 percent) in order to break Thigpen's record. So far, he's comfortably surpassed that mark by picking up saves in 20 of 54 games (37 percent), leaving him with another two weeks to add to his historic total.
Rodriguez isn't the best closer in the league - not even close, really - but he has been a fantasy owner's dream come true. He's been consistent and healthy all year long, and plays for a team that is basically built to win close games.
A lot of people seem convinced that Rodriguez will get a ton of Cy Young votes for setting the ultimately overrated record, with some even expressing concern that he could rob Cliff Lee or Roy Halladay - both starters who have put together deserving seasons. But remember: Thigpen finished fourth in the Cy Young balloting back in 1990, when he originally set the saves record, falling behind three 20-game winners. And Thigpen's other numbers were markedly better than the ones K-Rod currently sports.
Now that the record is in the books, Mike Scioscia might be inclined to defer some save opportunities to other Angel relievers - such as Jose Arredondo or Scot Shields - in order to make sure Rodriguez remains fresh for the playoffs.
Of course, Rodriguez breaking the save record was not the only historic individual accomplishment of the weekend. We'll start our MLB notes with another one.
* By getting Darin Erstad to swing wildly at an outside curveball for strike three in the ninth inning on Sunday night, Carlos Zambrano completed a no-hitter against the Astros, the first for a Cubs pitcher in 36 years. The two teams were playing at a neutral site in Milwaukee after having their weekend series in Houston cancelled due to Hurricane Ike.
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Zambrano has gotten poor results lately while struggling with shoulder issues, so this incredible performance was hardly expected. Zambrano dialed his fastball up to 97 mph at times and had his curveball working in full force. It seems that the extra days of rest he got from having Friday's and Saturday's games postponed may have done him some good.
Certainly, this bodes well for the Cubs down the stretch and into the playoffs. They and the Astros will face off again tonight in Milwaukee, with Ted Lilly and Brian Moehler toeing the rubber.
* Tim Lincecum struck out 12 while tossing a complete game shutout against the Padres on Saturday. The Cy Young contender allowed just four hits and three walks in the gem. It was the first complete game for Lincecum this season - or in his career, for that matter - but it was the fifth time he's exceeded 120 pitches in a start. The wisdom in having a 24-year-old with a violent delivery on an uncompetitive team rack up those kinds of pitch counts is beyond me. Hopefully it doesn't negatively affect his long-term outlook.
* Brett Myers spun a gem of his own on Sunday night, hurling a two-hit shutout in the second game of a double-header against the Brewers to move the Phillies into a tie atop the wild-card standings. Myers has been phenomenal since returning from a stint in the minors, going 7-2 with a 1.80 ERA over 11 starts. He's worked 10 straight quality starts, with a 69-to-17 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 80 innings during that span.
AL Quick Hits: J.D. Drew will miss all three of Boston's games against the Rays this week due to a lingering stiff back . Adrian Beltre will undergo season-ending surgery for a torn ligament in his thumb on Thursday, and will be replaced at third by Matt Tuiasosopo . Carl Pavano left Sunday's start early due to hip stiffness, but expects to make his next start . David Price allowed two runs in 5 2/3 innings of relief in his major-league debut on Sunday . Robinson Cano was pulled from Sunday's game due to a lack of hustle . Alex Gordon went 2-for-5 in his return from the DL on Sunday . Ryan Shealy hit two homers and drove in five runs on Sunday, and is hitting .370 with four home runs in 27 at-bats since rejoining the Royals lineup . Jon Lester improved to 15-5 with eight innings of one-run ball on Sunday.
NL Quick Hits: The Marlins will call up Cameron Maybin, along with a few other prospects, today . The Dodgers activated Takashi Saito from the 60-day DL this weekend while placing Andruw Jones on it . Rick Ankiel will miss the rest of the season due to an abdominal injury and is likely to undergo surgery . David Wright delivered four hits, including a pair of homers, against the Braves on Sunday . Randy Johnson tossed six innings of one-run ball on Saturday after missing his last start with a tired shoulder . Ryan Howard hit his 44th homer on Sunday, and has all but locked up the major-league home run crown . John Maine is expected to throw today for the first time since going on the disabled list . Josh Johnson fanned a career-high nine on Saturday and is 5-1 since returning from Tommy John surgery . Hanley Ramirez hit his 30th homer on Saturday to become the second 30-30 man in Marlins history.
