Sean Rodriguez: Tampa’s Everything Man

When the Tampa Bay Rays shipped Scott Kazmir to Los Angeles in 2009, they did so for two prospects and a player to be named later. That player turned out to be Sean Rodriguez.

It’s no secret that players with the “named later” tag aren’t exactly the foundation of the deals in which they’re included, rarely sticking with their new club for any extended amount of time after the swap, but in this case, Rodriguez and the Rays have become the exception.

Despite having impressive career numbers in the minor leagues, Rodriguez struggled during his time as an Angel. The Rays, then, were certainly taking a chance when they decided to give him the opportunity to win a big league job out of Spring Training last year.

He did exactly that, going on to hit .460/.500/.873 in 24 spring games, and more importantly, appearing in 118 outings for the Rays over the course of 2010. It was a refreshing change of pace for a player accustomed to sporadic opportunities.

“Every year you try to prepare for an everyday role, unless you’re an older guy has who has established himself as a utility guy,” said Rodriguez.

Though his spring success at the plate didn’t exactly carry over into the regular season, Rodriguez established himself as a versatile option for manager Joe Maddon, playing every position on the diamond except pitcher at least once.

Looking to build off 2010 in his second season with the Rays, Rodriguez aims to continue to get his work in, hoping that the rest will take care of itself.

“I’ve prepared pretty much the same way I have every other offseason,” Rodriguez told The Good Point. “I feel like I need to step it up a little bit, but I don’t think that I have to do anything more or anything.”

Rodriguez has continued to be a valuable defensive replacement for Maddon after All-Star Evan Longoria missed time due to injury earlier this season, and though he hasn’t hit the ball much so far (17-for-81, .210), he’s made the most of his hits, seeing as 76% of them have been for extra bases.

Having already played four different positions this season, Rodriguez is quick to dismiss the “utility player” label considering he was slated to be the Rays’ everyday second baseman out of Spring Training, but maintains a positive attitude towards playing a variety of positions.

“[If] I play second base every day, yeah, given what I can do, that could be a good spot for me,” he said. “I don’t really mind playing all over though, as long as I’m helping the team out and playing every day.”

In addition to his time holding down the fort wherever Maddon and the Rays need him, Rodriguez has been a major part of a roster in transition; a familiar face by default. Whereas last year’s Rays included the likes of Carl Crawford and Carlos Pena’s, this year’s includes veteran Johnny Damon, Sam Fuld and, until earlier this season, Manny Ramirez.

Though Ramirez has come and gone, following a violation of Major League Baseball’s drug policy earlier this year, it has been Damon, playing in his 17th Major League season, who has really left an impression.

“Someone told me about an article that came out where Jason Varitek said that a hungry man is a dangerous man,” he said. “It looks like he’s dangerous and hungry for this. He wants to play.”

Damon’s veteran presence on a young Rays team has been infectious in the clubhouse, and players have been soaking in as much as they can from him.

Between the benefits of having a leader with winning experience and everyday players like Rodriguez capable of stepping up and keeping Tampa Bay on track, things continue to look promising for the organization even in the aftermath of their significant offseason.

The Rays currently have a 26-21 record, and are tied with the Yankees for the AL East lead.

As far as Rodriguez is concerned, the pleasant start should come as no surprise.

“We’re still the champs until someone dethrones us.”