The Marlins have signed right-handed reliever Henry Rodriguez to a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite, the club announced via Twitter. Soon to turn 26, the fireballing Rodriguez is represented by the Legacy Agency.
Rodriguez threw 22 innings last year for the Nationals and Cubs, ultimately posting a seemingly serviceable 4.09 ERA. But a look behind the results show why the Nats finally cut ties with the talented hurler: Rodriguez maintained an abysmal K:BB ratio, with 4.9 K/9 against a troubling 8.2 BB/9.
Of course, Rodriguez has maintained much higher strikeout rates over his career, and still brings unbelievable stuff to the table. With a three-digit heater, devastating breaking ball, and even a changeup that former skipper Jim Riggleman compared to Stephen Strasburg's, Rodriguez has upside in spades. But he has had ample opportunity to hold onto a permanent MLB role before (148 2/3 career innings pitched), and has never yet managed to throw strikes on a consistent basis.
For a quick second there, i thought i saw the name hanley ramirez!!!!! i was like theres no way!!! then i looked again lol FAIL :P
that would be cool.
Toward the end of the 2011 season, Henry Rodriguez looked like he was going to become a superb set-up man or potentially a closer. One game — okay, it was only one inning, but you had to see it — against the Braves stands out in my mind. He left three decent hitters shaking their heads at his stuff. Unfortunately, control was never his strong point and we (Nats fans) saw too many walks and wild pitches, often in the worst possible scenarios. I wish Mr. Rodriguez well (except against the Nats) and hope he finds that elusive control.
I’ve always been a big fan of his. As you say, if you just created a highlight reel of his finest outings, you’d think you were watching one of the very best pitchers in the game. 100 mph heat and absolutely filthy offspeed stuff.
Unfortunately, of course, many of those beautiful missiles fail to track and end up causing more concern for fans in the first couple rows than the hitter.
You weren’t kidding. In 2011, he led the league in Wild Pitches with 14, next closest being three guys with 12. However, all other pitchers in the top 10 were starters, and Rodriguez only pitched 65 innings. Dickey only had 9 despite pitching 200+ innings and being a knuckleballer.
He’s still young enough to make an impact.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see him succeed with the Marlins. The one thing they have done very well over the years is their ability to turn players who were once decent pitchers into finding success again, even if it is just for a season or two.
Plus, they have ample low pressure situations since they are rarely ahead.
With his fastball, only having 4.9K/9 actually surprises me as much as 8.2 BB/9. This guy can throw some serious heat: unfortunately, he has no idea where it will end up.
Jorge Julio Jr
Sadly, Rodriguez will be lucky to have Julio’s career. Heck, Julio made $11.5 million!
I am 55 years of age and have been a baseball fan since I can remember (1965?) I have seen thousands of games, played in at least a thousand and have a deep love for the game. as a lifelong A’s fan I had the opportunity to see the most dominant inning by a pitcher displayed by Henry Rodriguez. This guy struck out the side on 10 pitches ( 1 weak foul-tip) and all the pitches were 100+ fastballs….if this guy can ever get control he’s basically unhittable.
I always think of Daniel Cabrera when I read about this guy.