Rodriguez Credits Dad With Helping Him Succeed In Baseball
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) - Sean Rodriguez is trying to make the Pirates team as a super-utility player and if he does, he can thank his father.
The 29-year-old Rodriguez can and has played 7 positions in the majors and the Pirates thought enough of that versatility to trade for him in the off-season. Last year in Tampa Bay, Rodriguez made 14 starts at second base, 14 starts at first base, 12 in left field, 11 as a DH, 7 at third base and one a shortstop and made 2 appearances in right field.
"As a kid growing up, my old man always told me you don't play the position you want to, you play the position where the team needs you," Rodriguez told KDKA Radio. "If he was coaching me and a kid missed and he happened to play a certain position, he would play me there, not where I wanted to play."
Rodriguez said his father told him, "Why not be an All-Star at whatever position you play." His father would know, Johnny Rodriguez has coached in 8 different major league organizations and spent 2014 as a manager in the Appalachian League.
"At first I was like, 'I want to play where I want to play' like any kid would do. But I'm definitely glad he did it," Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez said he prefers second base, shortstop and center field because of the action, but is comfortable at any position.
There should be more opportunities for Rodriguez's skill set with the Pirates in the National League with more double-switches and he says he must be ready to play in any game.
Rodriguez hit .211 with the Rays last year, but had career highs in homers (12) and RBI (41). And for his approach this year, "Doing what I always do, which is bringing all of my gloves and being ready to help the team win in any way, shape or form."
Rodriguez played in three different playoff series with Tampa Bay, but said it's better with the Pirates.
"The attention to detail over here is definitely higher than it was over there (Tampa Bay). They definitely get after every little thing and try and perfect, and be real consistent with all of the things they can work on."
"I keep hearing so many good things the team and the fans and how they absolutely love their sports teams," Rodriguez said about wearing the black and gold. "Especially the Pirates."
