Armando Rodriguez

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked New York Mets #24 prospect in 2011
  Under former general manager Omar Minaya, the Mets dedicated as many resources to Latin America as any organization. They operate two Rookie-level Dominican Summer League clubs and three domestic short-season league affiliates, and the club credits 19 international scouts in its 2010 media guide. While New York has spent liberally to acquire Latin amateurs such as Wilmer Flores, Fernando Martinez and Juan Urbina, they also have discovered a number of less-heralded talents in the Dominican Republic. In 2007 alone, the Mets signed 17-yearolds Jenrry Mejia and Jeurys Familia as well as Rodriguez and Jordany Valdespin, both in June at the relatively ripe old age of 19. Their signing age explains why both Rodriguez and Valdespin were added to the 40-man roster in November after just four seasons under contract. Rodriguez spent the better part of three seasons in short-season leagues before busting out in a big way as a 22-year-old in low Class A last year. He led the South Atlantic League with 152 strikeouts while ranking second in opponent average (.214) and third in ERA (3.08). Despite the gaudy numbers, Rodriguez is a bit of a one-trick pony. He pitches at 89-91 mph and touches 92 with his fastball, mixing in an 86-88 cutter. He's an aggressive strike-thrower who keeps the ball down. Rodriguez comes in on opposing batters and has natural deception in his drop-and-drive delivery, helping his fastball play up to average to a tick above. He tends to push his below-average slider and changeup to the plate, and they lack finish and shape. Rodriguez's fastball command could help him profile in a long-relief role, but he's going to have to prove he can get more advanced batters to swing and miss at his stuff. He's ready for high Class A this year.

• December, 2010 Scouting Report
  Under former general manager Omar Minaya, the Mets dedicated as many resources to Latin America as any organization. They operate two Rookie-level Dominican Summer League clubs and three domestic short-season league affiliates, and the club credits 19 international scouts in its 2010 media guide. While New York has spent liberally to acquire Latin amateurs such as Wilmer Flores, Fernando Martinez and Juan Urbina, they also have discovered a number of less-heralded talents in the Dominican Republic. In 2007 alone, the Mets signed 17-yearolds Jenrry Mejia and Jeurys Familia as well as Rodriguez and Jordany Valdespin, both in June at the relatively ripe old age of 19. Their signing age explains why both Rodriguez and Valdespin were added to the 40-man roster in November after just four seasons under contract. Rodriguez spent the better part of three seasons in short-season leagues before busting out in a big way as a 22-year-old in low Class A last year. He led the South Atlantic League with 152 strikeouts while ranking second in opponent average (.214) and third in ERA (3.08). Despite the gaudy numbers, Rodriguez is a bit of a one-trick pony. He pitches at 89-91 mph and touches 92 with his fastball, mixing in an 86-88 cutter. He's an aggressive strike-thrower who keeps the ball down. Rodriguez comes in on opposing batters and has natural deception in his drop-and-drive delivery, helping his fastball play up to average to a tick above. He tends to push his below-average slider and changeup to the plate, and they lack finish and shape. Rodriguez's fastball command could help him profile in a long-relief role, but he's going to have to prove he can get more advanced batters to swing and miss at his stuff. He's ready for high Class A this year.