Our weekly look at one item tying together each of Boston's AL East opponents examines the Rays. Which relatively unknown player could make a name for himself in Tampa Bay in 2011?
While it was only spring training, the Red Sox got to know what Sean Rodriguez is capable of during Grapefruit League action last year. He was a menace in Tampa Bay's 5-0-1 (yes, there was a tie) run vs. Boston last spring, meaningless results but perhaps a precursor of some things to come.
Rodriguez would make the major league roster and serve as a super utility guy for manager Joe Maddon, also making 78 starts at second base. In 2011, he will be the club's starting second baseman from day one and a potential standout near the bottom of the order.
A former Angel product acquired in the Scott Kazmir deal in 2009, Rodriguez has plenty of power; he hit 51 homers in 175 games at the Triple-A level. He can also steal a base from time to time, and in Maddon's system will be given a chance to run.
Like a lot of young players, the 25-year-old Rodriguez is a high-strikeout, low-walk kind of guy, but he seemed to make some strides on that final frontier in 2010. After whiffing 71 times and drawing just seven walks through his first 80 games, he had totals of 26 and 14, respectively, in his final 38 games.
Signs are pointing toward Rodriguez having a pretty productive year. With plenty of turnover on the Rays roster, they could use it.
