It has been announced that versatile Sean Rodriguez has been named as the Player To Be Named Later in the Rays-Angels deal for Scott Kazmir.

Rodriguez brings a very loud bat, excellent defense and a wonderful high energy approach to his game to the Rays. He will fit in very nicely with the young and energetic club.

Rodriguez is capable of playing every position on the field well with the exception of catcher and pitcher. After seeing as much as I have of Rodriguez, I wouldn't doubt he could play those positions as well. He has an outstanding bat with good plate discipline and a quick, short release through the ball.
Rodriguez can hit the ball out of any park-including to dead center. He takes pitches up the middle as well as anyone I've seen.

The Kazmir deal didn't make sense as it was originally announced without Rodriguez. Now it all makes sense. In Kazmir, the Angels got a good pitcher to use in the playoffs against players he is most familiar with in the American League East. Kazmir's outings have improved late in the season. His mechanics are better and he is pitching with more confidence. But Rodriguez makes it all work for Tampa.

Sean Rodriguez was drafted in the 3rd round in 2003 out of high school in Miami. He's a guy that exhibits a love for the game. He has flashed five tools with power, speed, good batting average, excellent defense and a serviceable arm from the middle infield. The only question could be his range at shortstop. For the Rays, he could fit nicely at second if the club does not sign Akinori Iwamura. Or, they could put him in right field instead of Gabe Gross and Gabe Kapler. Wherever they use Rodriguez, he will hit and field well. And he'll fit with the Rays running game.

This is a major, major acquisition for Tampa. The move has fantasy implications because of the talents Rodriguez will bring. He's that good. There may be some adjustment period, but he's the kind of player that will do what is necessary to fit in and adjust to major league pitching on a regular basis.

Now the Rays just moved up a notch in their constant battle with New York, Boston and Toronto. He won't make the franchise an instant winner. But he sure will help once he settles in.