New York Mets’ closer Francisco Rodriguez said that he’s open to being a setup man for a contending team, according to Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News.

“If I am going to be traded, obviously I want the opportunity to close out games, but if it’s going to be good teams like the Yankees or the Rays, and it’s going to be for two months, I can go out there and help them out,” Rodriguez said.

The Yankees are looking for a setup man for Mariano Rivera since the team has been inconsistent getting to their closer.

Rodriguez has a $17.5 million vesting option for 2012 if he finishes 55 games, but he would consider waiving it if his new team offers him a multi-year deal.  However, if he joins the Yankees, it would be near impossible for him to finish that many games before the season ends.  The Mets’ closer also has a no-trade clause to ten teams, but it doesn’t not appear to be a problem for now.

“Honestly I don’t even know what (teams) are on the no-trade clause, I haven’t even been asked about that yet,” Rodriguez said. “I mean I would definitely love to stay here, but I have to be open to every possibility out there right now.”

Image by Ed Yourdon under the Creative Commons License.