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)

Spring Training Updates: Hitters

Mike Aviles - SS - Royals
Stats: .460 - 0 HR's - 5 triples - 50 at bats.
Outlook: He looks like the same Aviles that had fantasy owners excited in 2009.  He has yet to show his pop, but he is worth a last roster spot.

Julio Borbon - OF - Rangers
Stats: .314 - 1 HR - 3 SB's - 86 at bats.
Outlook: He looks to start centerfield and leadoff for the Rangers.

Chris Davis - 1B/3B - Rangers
Stats: .364 - 2 HR's - 22 K's - 77 at bats.
Outlook: He continues to improve his hitting and cutting down his K's.  This looks like the breakout year for Davis.

John Bowker - 1B - Giants
Stats: .310 - 5 HR's - 75 at bats.
Outlook: He is currently a backup in LF and at 1B.  He could take over for often-injured Aubrey Huff. He is ready for the Bigs either way.

Carlos Gomez - OF - Brewers
Stats: .300 - 0 HR's - 11 SB's - 70 at bats.
Outlook: He has been just about everything the Brewers wanted, though some power is expected.  The one-time big prospect should be back on the radar, especially if you need SB's.

Chris Johnson - 3B - Astros
Stats: .317- 7 HR's - 60 at bats.
Outlook: He looks like he will make the roster, unless the Astros decide to send him down to get at bats, but with Pedro Feliz at 3B and Geoff Blum at 1B, Johnson has a shot to start by seasons-end.

Sean Rodriguez - 2B/OF - Rays
Stats: .460 - 6 HR's - 63 at bats.
Outlook: He will make the roster, but will not likely start...yet.  He showed tremendous power in the minors as well as in Spring Training.

Tyler Colvin - OF - Cubs
Stats: .468 - 2 HR's - 2 SB's - 77 at bats.
Outlook: The former #1 pick had a huge spring and won a spot on the roster.  He will have to wait for injury or major slump to start, but keep on eye on him.

Kyle Banks - OF - Padres
Stats: .407- 3 HR's - 59 at bats.
Outlook: The big prospect had a great spring and will start in LF and possibly bat clean up.

"Sean-Rod" Goes Yard in '09 Debut

Los Angeles Angles second basemen Sean Rodriguez got his first start of the 2009 season on Monday night and after going 0 for 3 he slammed a solo home run.

This is exactly what you can hope for from Rodriguez after his call up from Triple-A Salt Lake where he hit 21 home runs with just 2005 at bats.

The problem with Rodriguez is he doesn't fit the mold of a contact-hitting second basemen that the Angels desire and thus he will not just be handed the starting spot. He will have to convince Scioscia that his power is more than enough reason to play him every day.

Bottom line is Sean Rodriguez has the potential to be fantasy gold and if you have an open roster spot or a big need at second base, he is a must pick up.

Sin City Scout

Sean Rodriguez Gets The Call

Los Angeles Angels have promoted Sean Rodriguez from Salt Lake and demoted 2B Howie Kendrick.

Rodriguez, who was leading the PCL with 21 HR's, can also play shortstop and outfield, though he will likely only qualify for 2B.

He is a must pick up if you have the room/need.

Sin City Scout

2B Sean Rodriguez Ready for the Call

Salt Lake City second basemen Sean Rodriguez leads the Triple-A PCL with 17 home runs (Tied with recent Cub call up Jake Fox) and is patiently awaiting a recall to the Los Angeles Angels.

There is a small obstacle, Angels manager Mike Scioscia. He is a singles, contact-hitting, bunt them over and win 3-2 type of manager. Rodriguez is a free-swinging slugging infielder with 30 home run and 150 strikeout potential.

Rodriguez did get the call in 2008 and didn't impress Scioscia at all by batting a mere .204 with just 3 home runs with 167 at bats. When you compare his 17 home runs with 164 at bats in the home run happy PCL, the Angels have reason to be a little skeptical.

Rodriguez just turned 24 and is as ready as ever to make his return to the Big Leagues. He is not going to hit 40 home runs as his AAA stats may show, but 20-30 is very doable.

Another plus for Rodriguez is he can play shortstop as well as third base or even outfield if needed. This improves his chances of playing almost everyday if he were to get a call as well as his potential fantasy value.

If that wasn't enough to sell you on Sean Rodriguez, did I mention he has good speed? He has stolen bases 5 for Salt Lake in 2009, he stole 3 in 2008 for the Angels, and he has stole as many as 27 in the minors.

Bottom line is Rodriguez is a potential 20-20, .275 hitting infielder and is worth putting on your fantasy radar.

Sin City Scout