Basic Info
Age (Opening Day 2011): 20
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 195 lbs
How Acquired: 2008 draft, 8th round
2010 Stats
One of the bigger break-outs in the organization last year, Rodriguez didn’t start until short season got going but was superb the entire way through. He actually improved when he was sent up to Lakewood, striking out a ridiculous 90 hitters in just 56.1 IP with a 1.44 ERA and 0.95 WHIP. He has a high walk rate, but allowed only 5.7 H/9 to make up for it. Probably the most impressive peripherals in the organization last year.
Scouting Report
This is where it gets a little fuzzy and why Julio-Rod isn’t ranked higher. There are many conflicting reports on his fastball velocity, some saying he only hits 87-88, and others saying he lives around 91-92. There is a big difference there. Also, I’ve read that the reason his K/9 rates are so high are that he throws a unique, looping curve that younger hitters can’t handle, but MLB players could.
He’s young though, and several people have said that he has a frame he could build on and add velocity to his pitches. Given the heads he turned last year, I’m sure it won’t be hard to get a real scouting report on him by the end of this year.
What to Look For in 2011
It will be interesting to see if they push Rodriguez. I would imagine he will start in Lakewood, but if he puts up similar numbers, they could quickly move him up. Or, they could start him up there and see what he’s made of.
It will be interesting to see if he can keep up his ridiculous K/9 and H/9 rates as he moves up the ladder. If he can, his prospect status could skyrocket, if not, it’ll be up in the air.
Grades (Out of 10)
Upside – 7
Tough to say right now, but until I see a dip in his numbers, I’m grading him pretty high.
Production – 9
Couldn’t have been much better last year, except maybe pitching more innings, but that wasn’t his fault.
Proximity to Majors – 2
He doesn’t turn 21 until August, he’s at least 2 full minor league seasons away.
Video
Pitching from behind backstop (check out curve at 1:27)
For all posts on Phillies’ Prospects, including the rest of the top-20, visit our Top Prospects Page
Wow that curve ball at 1:27 was nasty. Had the hitter froze and a few ooos and ahhhs to boot.
On a non Phillies subject, Andy Pettitte’s retirement announcementy yesterday hasw already triggered immediate response to his HOF qualifications. He’s discussable enough.
I don’t know that on the whole he has a great chance to get in, but what struck me as more debatable, realistically was does he gain entry into the coveted Monument Park, and have his number retired. Monument Park is a very selective honor. It’s easy to talk about guys flirting with qualification, but the Yanks 5 ring holders from what we can call the Class of 96 are not all getting in. Jeter and Rivera are locks. Posada is nothing more than a fondly remembered Yankee. Pettitte is probably a quasi semi lock since Guidry is in. Pettite had a lot of very good, Guidry had some real phoenomenal about him. They don’t exactly cheapen Monument by adding Pettitte, but his representation doesn’t exactly embellish the place. If Guidry hadn’t gotten in, I’d rate Andy’s chances as much less than likely.
I’d be shocked if they retired his number.
KB-
Mitchell Report, PED. He doesn’t deserve to get into anywhere.