Q.  Is Rodriguez maybe going to become an All-Star now?

A.  His AAA stats, following his "bustout," translated to something around .280/.335/.440 in the majors, just guessing at the MLE here.  About ML average.

You're talking about whether Luis Rodriguez has become Mike Aviles or Marco Scutaro, not talking about whether he's become Jason Bartlett or Andres Torres.

In the perfect world, Rodriguez does not become an All-Star; in the perfect world, he becomes an AL-average (solid!) hitter who plays a passable SS and a good 2B/3B.

Which is Scutaro, of course.  Obviously a $425,000 Marco Scutaro is a player who will win you your next pennant.

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ting his pitches.

Earl used to talk about maintaining your plate discipline -- but then on 2-0, 3-1, looking to hit the ball out of the park.

Just a guess.  If you axed me how a guy does what Rodriguez did, that would be it.  The light came on, as to the ability to load up on a pitch once or twice a game.

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Q.  What are Rodriguez' chances of consolidating his gains in the American League?

A.  I dunno -- 40%?

Rodriguez has gotten better, much better. That's a fact.

Problemo is:  can a good NPB player can perform in the AL?  It's speculation.  He's a good player in the absolute, but the transition is always iffy.

Rodriguez bloomed late and became a good hitter.  :shrug:  That might or might not mean a good year in the AL.

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Part 3

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