Paco Rodriguez

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Los Angeles Dodgers #8 prospect in 2013
  Rodriguez was a bullpen mainstay for Florida teams that reached three straight College World Series from 2010-12. Dodgers scouts who watched him saw a major league-ready reliever and he lived up to that billing after signing for $610,800 as a second-rounder. He became the first 2012 draftee to reach the majors, allowing one run in 11 September appearances. Rodriguez does have quality stuff, but his deception is what sets him apart. He hides the ball well and has funk to his arm action. Los Angeles had him tone down the high leg lift he used in college because an umpire they asked to review tape of Rodriguez said he'd likely be called for balks in the majors. His best pitch is a high-80s cutter that continually beats up the hands of righties. His fastball ranges from 88-93 mph with armside life, so he can run his pitches to either side of the plate. He also has a sweepy slider and occasionally will unveil a changeup. Rodriguez's control and mound poise are two more assets. He wasn't awed by his surroundings in the big leagues. While Rodriguez may not have the upside of a closer, the future is now for him as a set-up man. He should be back in Los Angeles to open 2013.

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #114 prospect in 2012 draft
  Frequently referred to by his nickname Paco, Rodriguez has evolved from a left-on-left specialist as a freshman for the Gators into a flexible weapon out of the team's bullpen. He has a funky delivery, most notable when he comes set in the stretch: He nearly stops once, then comes set a second times. Scouts who block out the calls of "Balk!" from opposing fans see Rodriguez execute his pitches well, starting with a hard, upper-80s cut fastball that gets in on righthanded hitters. He has enough fastball to keep hitters honest, throwing 91-92 mph and pounding the strike zone. He adds a sweepy but effective slider that at times has depth. Always efficient, Rodriguez has been much better in 2012, putting hitters away more consistently. His 12.23 strikeouts per nine innings ranked fourth in the nation, and he had a 6-1 K-BB ratio in a career-high 53 innings. Deception is built in to Rodriguez's approach, with an arm action that helps him hide the ball in the back before it comes out of a three-quarters slot. He's a safe pick who at least should be a lefty specialist but has shown the durability and dominance to be more than that.

• December, 2012 Scouting Report
  Background: Rodriguez was a bullpen mainstay for Florida teams that reached three straight College World Series from 2010-12. Dodgers scouts who watched him saw a major league-ready reliever and he lived up to that billing after signing for $610,800 as a second-rounder. He became the first 2012 draftee to reach the majors, allowing one run in 11 September appearances. Scouting Report: Rodriguez does have quality stuff, but his deception is what sets him apart. He hides the ball well and has funk to his arm action. Los Angeles had him tone down the high leg lift he used in college because an umpire they consulted said he'd likely be called for balks in the majors. His best pitch is a high-80s cutter that continually beats up the hands of righties. His fastball ranges from 88-93 mph with armside life, so he can run his pitches to either side of the plate. He also has a sweepy slider and occasionally will unveil a changeup. Rodriguez's control and mound poise are two more assets. He wasn't awed by his surroundings in the big leagues. The Future: While Rodriguez may not have the upside of a closer, the future is now for him as a set-up man. He should be back in Los Angeles to open 2013.