Henry Rodriguez

The hard throwing right-hander appeared in 59 games for the Nationals, and averaged the highest fastball velocity among all qualified relievers (98 mph). Along with his fastball, Rodriguez’s secondary pitches also induce a lot of swinging strikes using his change-up (90.5 mph) against left-handed hitters while using his slider (83.6 mph) against right-handers. He will strike out more than a batter per inning, but his control will continue to be an issue (6.17 BB/9IP in 2011 and 5.55 BB/9IP career). His ability to limit home runs is impressive, and will allow him to stick as a middle reliever for 2012.

Rodriguez has begun to improve his control a bit, walking just 22 batters in 49 innings split between Triple-A Sacramento and the A's after walking 41 batters in 52.2 innings in 2009. His strikeout rate dipped a bit, but he still fanned 33 batters in 27.2 frames out of the A's bullpen last season. Traded to the Nationals as part of the Josh Willingham trade, Rodriguez won't be a threat to displace Drew Storen as the closer but could give the Nats a power arm for the later innings.

Rodriguez's shift to the bullpen appears permanent, as his 37 appearances at Triple-A Sacramento all came in relief. He continues to show excellent strikeout totals (71 K in 43.2 innings), but little control (an unsightly 38 walks). That type of control problem won't result in any sort of prolonged success in the majors. He made a few token appearances in winter ball, allowing six runs and six hits in 1.2 innings, but there's an abundance of depth in the A's bullpen if everyone is healthy. Rodriguez is going to need to be much better if he wants an extended look in the A's bullpen.

Rodriguez earned a quick promotion to Double-A Midland but struggled (41 innings, 51 hits, 44 walks, 43 Ks) and earned a trip back to High-A Stockton where the A's moved him to relief late in the season. His numbers at High-A were better (75 innings, 57 hits, 40 walks, 104 Ks) but control continued to be a problem. His early-reason results in Winter ball play (six walks, 11 Ks in 5.1 innings) show more of the same struggles, and a permanent move to the bullpen could be in his future.

Rodriguez pitched well in 20 games in Single-A, allowing just 75 hits and in 99.2 innings. He struck out 106 batters, but also walked 58. There's obviously control issues to iron out first, but he has a lively arm and projects well if he can cut back on the walks. He'll turn 21 years old in February, so he has plenty of time to develop.