H/W: 6-5 200 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 7/13/92
The youngest addition to the Giants baseball family received a $2.55 million gift on his 16th birthday. Rodriguez has immense power potential and 5-tool athleticism drawing several comparisons to fellow Dominican Vladimir Guererro. Giants former manager Felipe Alou was very impressed by his bat speed and hand-eye coordination, mentioning that he didn't see him swing and miss at a pitch against more advanced competition. Amidst all of the positives, there are plenty of questions in Raffy-Rod's game. Some scouts have criticized his long, loopy swing as being strikeout prone and others feel he will develop into a one dimensional hitter. There are some concerns that he may grow too big to maintain his plus speed as he ages. The Giants will likely develop Rodriguez in much the same manner that they are with 1B Angel Villalona.
2009 Projection: Expect Rodriguez to begin the season at the Giants' extended spring training camp before heading to their Arizona League rookie affiliate in June. If he is successful there, it is not out of the question to see him get some late season AB's at short-season Salem-Kaiser. Keep an eye on Rodriguez's K-rate. This seems to be the biggest concern that scouts have with his game right now. Rodriguez is a good four or five years away from being a MLB player, but he is worth watching right now.
Key Rafael Rodriguez Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra #/999
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