Grab You Some S-Rod

Reid Brignac won the 'rookie of spring training' award for the Rays. Good for him. However, his primary competition is starting over him. Sean Rodriguez is the starting second baseman on the opening day roster. This is a little sooner then most thought (myself included).

Don't the Rays already have a second baseman? Yes. In fact, they have at least 3 guys who can play the position, and play it well. Ben Zobrist (who had a break out year last year) can and will play some 2B, but will also see a lot of RF to allow others to step up. Reid Brignac can play 2B and likely will get some playing time (at the very least as an infield utility guy). Last, we have the above mentioned starting 2B, Sean Rodriguez.

Why pick him up? First, the Rays have shown a great ability to groom young players. Second, as good as Brignac's spring was, Rodriguez's was better. .420 AVG, 15 RBIs, 6 HRs. Third, he already has the 'S-Rod' nickname catching on.

Good development, good hitter, good defender, good team, good pickup for you! Rodriguez has a chance to be one of the better sleepers of the year. Should be available in about 90% of leagues, but probably not for too long.

-Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)

Rookie SS Brignac Hits 3rd HR

Reid Brignac hit a three-run homer off of Carlos Fisher in the Rays' 7-3 Spring Training win over the Reds. It was Brignac's 3rd home run of Spring Training with 35 at bats. The 23-year-old prospect has a shot at the Tampa Bay Rays starting shortstop spot, though Jason Barlett still has the edge. Starting second basemen Akinori Iwamura is not a lock at second base either and Bartlett moving to second base isn't out of the question. Brignac batted a disappointing .250 but hit 9 home runs with 352 at bats in AAA Durham in 2008. He hit 66 home runs and stole 41 bases with 2,023 minor league at bats and has a lifetime .282 average. He is a medium-long shot to start opening day, but could get a starting look at some point in 2009. He has the potential to hit 20+ home runs and steal around 15 bases. That would make for a solid starting fantasy shortstop, especially in a good offense like the Rays. Sin City Scout