Francisco Rodriguez through the years

Angels reliever Francisco Rodriguez begins his hard-throwing delivery with a high leg lift.  (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)

Angels pitching coach Mike Butcher has watched Francisco Rodriguez save 37 of his 40 chances this season, the most by any major leaguer before the All-Star break.  (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)

Francisco Rodriguez, who once was the set-up man for closer Troy Percival, has always been a popular figure with the Angels.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Francisco Rodriguez lets out a yell after closing out a recent game against the Oakland A’s.  (Alex Gallardo / Los Angeles Times)

Even the best closers fail, and Francisco Rodriguez can’t believe he just gave up a tying run to the New York Mets on David Wright‘s single last month.   (Alex Gallardo / Los Angeles Times)

Francisco Rodriguez gives thanks after earning a victory over Oakland as the Angels’ set-up man. He struck out four of the six batters he faced.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez lets out one of his trademark yells after retiring Dodgers first baseman on a groundout with the bases loaded to ensure a 1-0 victory at Dodger Stadium.  (Alex Gallardo / Los Angeles Times)

Fans show their support for Francisco Rodriguez during the 2002 World Series against the San Francisco Giants.   (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Third baseman Troy Glaus consoles Francisco Rodriguez after he gave up David Bell‘s game-winning single in Game 4 of the 2002 World Series.   (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)

Francisco Rodriguez became the youngest pitcher to win a World Series game when he took the Game 5 decision in 2002 against the San Francisco Giants.   (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Francisco Rodriguez improved his record to 5-0 in the playoffs when he retired the side in the seventh inning of Game 2 and the Angels rallied for the victory.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Francisco Rodriguez spends some time with his daughter, Adriana, near the bullpen before the start of Game 2 of the 2002 World Series against the San Francisco Giants.   (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)