Edward Rodriguez

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Toronto Blue Jays #28 prospect in 2004
  The Jays have had some hits and misses with Latin American pitching prospects in the last decade, and the misses (Diegomar Markwell, Jose Pett) have often been spectacular and expensive. Rodriguez is a long way away, and the Jays won't really know what they have until he makes his U.S. debut at Auburn. But his arm strength and coordination have some organization officials comparing him to Francisco Rosario. Latin American scout Tony Arias signed Rodriguez for $325,000 in 2002 because he liked Rodriguez' size, arm action and easy 90-93 mph fastball velocity. The Jays were even more encouraged after his performance in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League last year, when he ranked third in ERA and averaged a strikeout an inning. Rodriguez, who throws a middling curveball and is learning a changeup, is still growing into his frame and has some command. He's at least four years away from being a contender for Toronto's rotation, but his upside is considerable and he's the organization's best Latin prospect outside of Alexis Rios or Guillermo Quiroz.