Photo Credit: Kevin Cunningham | Giant Futures
Earlier this week, the Giants released shortstop Anthony Rodriguez, ending his five year run with the organization. Rodriguez was one of two Venezuelan shortstops who received high six-figure bonuses at the top of the Giants’ 2019 international class (the other being Aeverson Arteaga). Rodriguez was a good-looking athlete and smooth defender at both 3b and SS. He was also a switch-hitter who showed power from both sides of the plate and the ability to work a walk. But, as is so often the case, the hit tool just never developed as hoped. He finally made it out of the complex level in 2023, but hit just .221 for San Jose, and this spring, he was unable to make the crowded San Jose infield. For his career, he hit just .231 with a 33% strikeout rate.
It’s been tough going for that 2019 international class, which was topped by Rodriguez, Arteaga, Esmerlin Vinicio, and Manuel Mercedes. Vinicio (who we’ll see later in today’s post) has never added the weight, strength, and velocity that was envisioned when he was 16, and has bounced back and forth between San Jose and the ACL the last couple of years. Mercedes is now up to Eugene, but has never quite recaptured the electric potential of his first year in the ACL. And, of course, Arteaga is now going through the difficult rehab process from thoracic outlet surgery.
It’s a really tough journey these kids are undertaking with lots of sweat, pain, hard work, and disappointments. Never forget how hard this is!
HITTER of the NIGHT: David Villar (Sac), 2 for 3, 2 2b (5), BB, 1 R, 3 RBI
PITCHER of the NIGHT: Josh Bostick (SJ), 4.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K
It was a night of stirring comebacks, thrilling walk offs, and continued runs of excellence from Eugene’s offense and San Jose’s rotation.
Most importantly, it was a night where EVERYBODY WINS! Rejoice!
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