Ryan Rodriguez Stats & Scouting Report

Full name Ryan Richard Rodriguez
Born 07/10/1984 in Riverside, CA
Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 233 / Bats: L / Throws: L
School Keller
Drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) by the Chicago White Sox in 2002.

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Ryan Rodriguez is a big lefty (6-foot-4, 205 pounds) and he's more athletic than fellow Texan LHP Garrett White. Though he has good life on a fastball that reaches 91 mph, scouts wonder why he doesn't throw his curveball more often. He tapered off after a good start this spring.

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Another member of Chicago's deep stable of lefthanders, Rodriguez led Kannapolis in starts and innings last year after missing the entire 2003 season with inflammation in his elbow. Though he's young, he already exhibits a good feel for pitching and has command of three pitches, including a low-90s fastball. His curveball makes him especially tough against lefthanders, who batted .207 with one homer in 111 at-bats against him in 2004. His size allows him to drive the ball down in the strike zone, making it difficult for hitters to lift the ball in the air against him. He's still working on his changeup and his composure. Rodriguez will move to high Class A in 2005 and could earn a spot on the 40-man roster with a strong showing.

The White Sox had an impressive young staff that featured the league leaders in wins (Haigwood) and strikeouts (Brandon McCarthy), and the only pitcher to throw a shutout (Dario Ortiz). None threw as consistently hard as Rodriguez, a fourth-round pick who worked in the low 90s every time out. Rodriguez displayed command of three pitches, including a major league-caliber curveball. "He's got a big frame and can rock and fire," Hairston said. "He pitches with a lot of confidence."