So, has Francisco Rodriguez already made a difference in the New York Mets bullpen this spring? The numbers suggest the answer is yes.

As a team, the Mets have converted 75 percent of their save chances in 2009, with K-Rod going 9-for-9, and 3-for-3 in one-run save opportunities. Pedro Feliciano, J.J. Putz and Sean Green have the team’s three blown saves, none of which were ninth-inning situations.

That 75-percent mark is tied for the fourth-highest save percentage in the majors. A year ago, the Mets’ save percentage was 59.7, which ranked 22nd in the major leagues. Four different relievers blew three or more saves for the 2008 Mets. Billy Wagner blew seven save opps after a strong start, and then he was lost to an early-August elbow injury that led to Tommy John surgery.

Despite the three blown saves by guys not named K-Rod this spring, the relievers who work prior to the ninth inning have been getting the job done. The Mets have recorded 20 holds this season -- only the Cardinals with 21 have more -- and the New York pen also ranks second in the majors in bullpen ERA (2.87) and fourth in lowest OPS allowed by a team’s relievers (.667).

The Mets have been getting solid bullpen performances from relative unknown Brian Stokes (0.00 ERA and one unearned run allowed in 11 IP) and rookie Bobby Parnell (1.38 in 13 IP). Five relievers who have worked at least three innings this spring have ERAs lower than 2.50. And Putz (3.38) and Feliciano (3.75) have been effective.

Only Green (8.76) has an ERA higher than 4.00. A year ago, only four of the 11 relievers who worked at least 20 innings in relief managed to post a sub-4.00 ERA. The four lowest ERAs belonged to Wagner (2.30), Scott Schoeneweis (3.34), Stokes (3.51) and Joe Smith (3.55). Of those four, only Stokes is still on the roster.

Yes, K-Rod is making a difference, with his perfect save record, 1.32 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 16 strikeouts in 13.2 frames. But he shares the credit for the much-improved pen with Stokes, Feliciano and the other newcomers, Parnell and Putz.