Sean Rodriguez

2013

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2012

Despite something of a disappointing season, Rodriguez will head into spring training vying for the starting shortstop job provided the Rays don't address the position through free agency or trade. While many thought Rodriguez could rise to the challenge of being an everyday player, he mainly found time filling in at the middle infield spots and at third while Evan Longoria was out. If there is a silver lining to his season, he improved his plate discipline by dropping his strikeout rate by 5.7 percent while increasing his walk rate by 3.1 percent. Even though he struggled in the stolen-base department going 11-for-18 (61 percent), he has a nice combination of speed and power (eight home runs in 374 at-bats). This makes him an intriguing option in deeper leagues if he wins the starting gig and continues to develop an improved approach at the plate.

2011

Rodriguez had a stellar debut for the Rays last season, getting his first year of significant playing time in the big leagues. The Rays tried to work him into the lineup as often as possible and his versatility helped accomplish this. Other than catcher, Rodriguez played each field position for at least three games, but he received most of his work at second base. He presents a nice skill set of speed and power, showing more of the latter in the minors. However, he stole 13 bases and hit nine home runs in 343 at-bats. With Jason Bartlett traded to San Diego, Rodriguez is in line for more playing time this year. He'll make for a nice sleeper in many formats because of the power and speed combo and the lack of depth at second base.

2010

Rodriguez came to the Rays as the PTBNL in the Scott Kazmir trade. With the departure of Akinori Iwamura to Pittsburgh, a starting spot at second base is there for the taking. However, it hasn't been decided if Rodriguez or Ben Zobrist will get the nod there. It would make sense for the Rays to put Zobrist in right field and give second to Rodriguez. He strikes out a lot (once in every three at-bats) but posted a 1.016 OPS at Triple-A Salt Lake last season. If he gets the starting second-base job, he makes for a nice sleeper in the power categories, just temper your expectations for his batting average.

2009

Rodriguez proved to be an important mid-season call-up last season, playing in 59 games for the Angels, primarily at second base. Rodriguez only hit .204 but also only had two errors at second base. Howie Kendrick will undoubtedly by the starting second baseman come Opening Day, but Rodriguez could find himself playing again if Kendrick is unable to stay healthy.

2008

Rodriguez showed some good pop in his bat last season, hitting 17 home runs and driving in 73 runs with Double-A Texas - impressive totals for a middle infielder. However, he is proving to be a bit of a free swinger, striking out 132 times last season in 136 games. Rodriguez will begin next season at Triple-A as a 22-year-old, but the Angels' infield is very young and talented and it will be difficult for him to find a spot on the major league roster before 2009.

2007

He'd look better if he wasn't a level behind a player who looks a lot like him but better in Brandon Wood. Like Wood, Rodriguez has power, strikes out a lot and will not be a major-league shortstop. He'll hit enough to stick at third base, just not enough to displace Wood from his landing space. Stash him on your reserve and wait for a trade. Bring snacks, as GM Bill Stoneman's involved.

2005

Rodriguez was the Angels' third-round pick in 2003. After a rough start at low Single-A Cedar Rapids, he was demoted to Rookie-level Provo, where he rebounded to win the Pioneer League MVP award. He turns 20 in April, so he has time to develop. Because of the depth in the Angels' farm system at shortstop, the team has toyed with the idea of moving Rodriguez to catcher, but has refrained from doing so for now.