Carlos Rodriguez

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Philadelphia Phillies #24 prospect in 2005
  Rodriguez' immaturity and lack of focus forced the Phillies to send him home to the Dominican Republic for a month in 2003. He repeated low Class A in 2004, showing an improved attitude under manager P.J. Forbes, whom the Phillies credit with providing good leadership for Rodriguez. Still, being ready to play every day and every pitch remains a challenge for him, as Rodriguez delivers flashes of greatness followed by subpar play. It led the player with the organization's best defensive tools at shortstop to top the South Atlantic League in errors. His range, hands, arm strength and agility all rate better than average. Rodriguez shows above-average bat speed and hit .307 against lefties versus .257 when facing righthanders. He'll open 2005 in high Class A, and a strong start could mean a push to Double-A by midseason. If he stays focused and produces, Rodriguez is still young enough to end up as an everyday player at the major league level and help the Phillies get something for the $700,000 bonus they paid him to sign after the 2000 Area Code Games.
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  Ranked Philadelphia Phillies #24 prospect in 2004
  Rodriguez tried the Phillies' patience in 2003. He refused to show focus or take accountability, and his immaturity got him sent home to the Dominican Republic for a month. Makeup questions aside, Rodriguez' tools and abilities rival those of any shortstop in the organization. He has plus arm strength, hands, range and agility. He entered the 2003 season a .293 career hitter before dropping off terribly, but still has the skills to become more than a defense-first shortstop. His above-average bat speed and potential to reach double figures in homers played a large role in the Phillies signing him for $700,000 after a showcase at the 2000 Area Code Games. If Rodriguez doesn't return to spring training in a better frame of mind, his time in the organization could be waning. If he grows up, however, he could develop into a big league regular. He'll give high Class A another try in 2004.
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  Ranked Philadelphia Phillies #17 prospect in 2003
  Then known as Carlos Rosario, Rodriguez signed with the Phillies for $700,000 shortly after emerging as a prospect at the 2000 Area Code Games. He's a raw player with plenty of tools who needs a lot of repetitions to refine all aspects of his game. For now, defense remains his calling card. Rodriguez' hands, arm, agility and range all rate as plus tools and he has proven a better fielder than his 18 errors at Batavia would suggest. Offensively, Rodriguez hasn't struggled as much as many other slick-fielding infield prospects. He generates good bat speed and his mechanics at the plate steadily have improved in each of the last two seasons. A plus runner, Rodriguez stands to learn more about stealing bases, as he was successful in just 21 of his 32 attempts last year. Rodriguez has better tools and more promise than Danny Gonzalez, who has played a level above him the last two seasons, but still faces a numbers crunch in Philadelphia with Jimmy Rollins there and Anderson Machado on the doorstep. Rodriguez will get his first taste of full-season ball at Lakewood in 2003.
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  Ranked Philadelphia Phillies #14 prospect in 2002
  Rodriguez debuted on this list last year at No. 11 before ever playing a pro game. He surfaced as one of the top prospects in the 2000 Area Code Games in Long Beach. At the time he was known as Carlos Rosario, and signed shortly after for $700,000. He made a promising pro debut in the Gulf Coast League. At 5-foot-8 and 160 pounds, Rodriguez doesn't command attention with his size but he possesses thrilling shortstop skills. He's a plus-plus runner with a strong arm and soft hands. He won't ever win a home run derby, but he can drive the ball and generates excellent bat speed, especially from the left side of the plate. He faces competition at shortstop with Jimmy Rollins in Philadelphia and Anderson Machado, Danny Gonzalez and Esteban de los Santos on the way. Rodriguez will compete for a job in Lakewood in 2002, but Gonzalez likely will relegate him to short-season Batavia.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked Florida Complex League #11 prospect in 2001
  Philadelphia signed Rodriguez at 16 last fall for $600,000, outbidding several clubs. He showed a lot of maturity in his first exposure to professional baseball, as well as above-average speed, range and arm strength. He was clocked in less than four seconds from home to first on a drag bunt from the left side. "He has all the actions to be an outstanding shortstop," DeArmas said. "He's got more power than Anderson Hernandez and drives the ball better. He just needs to get stronger."

• December, 2000 Scouting Report
  Philadelphia signed Rodriguez at 16 last fall for $600,000, outbidding several clubs. He showed a lot of maturity in his first exposure to professional baseball, as well as above-average speed, range and arm strength. He was clocked in less than four seconds from home to first on a drag bunt from the left side. "He has all the actions to be an outstanding shortstop," DeArmas said. "He's got more power than Anderson Hernandez and drives the ball better. He just needs to get stronger."