Fernando Rodney is not only the man responsible for nailing down close ballgames in Tampa Bay. The owner of baseball’s crookedest cap is also quite the clubhouse comedian.
“Fernando, he’s a little bit of a practical joker,” Rays manager Joe Maddon said Tuesday. “He likes to use different voices. He’s almost a little bit of a ventriloquist kind of a thing. That’s part of his sense of humor.”
While Maddon was quick to point out Rodney’s comedic tendencies, the skipper also admitted that the Rays closer is a calming presence who fits in perfectly with the rest of Tampa Bay’s cast of characters.
“When you see him within the clubhouse, very calm. Very calm human being. I love that about him,” Maddon said. “Even in the game when things don’t appear to be going well, he still for me presents a calm exterior at least. He’s very well-liked. He’s got a wonderful sense of humor. And as a competitor, I’ll take him with anybody I’ve ever had. This guy is highly competitive. When he’s on top of his game he’s among the best.
“But within our group of characters — and we have those in our clubhouse — he ranks way at the top based on he’s got a zest for life. He understands, he gets it. Right down to the hat being sideways as a tribute to his daddy. All that stuff, I really love about this guy.”
Rodney’s biggest contributions have been on the diamond. While 2013 hasn’t been Rodney’s best season, the right-hander did put together a historic 2012 campaign. Rodney had a minuscule 0.60 ERA in 74 2/3 innings over 65 appearances while saving 48 games last season.
That’s dominance in any voice.
Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.