Sean Rodriguez Wants To Play

The main piece in the trade that sent Scott Kazmir to the Anaheim Angels, Sean Rodriguez, started off the Spring season with a HR in the Rays first game.  He then proceeded to follow up that first HR with another in the Rays 2nd game, a 6-5 win against the Baltimore Orioles.

The Rays put some more bats on the ball yesterday, with Matt Joyce driving in the winning run in the 9th inning.  Joyce, Ruggiano, Longoria, Patt Burell, Rodriguez, Elliot Johnson and Reid Brignac all had one in the game.

Jeff Niemann looked great in his first spring start.  He worked 2 IP, and gave up one hit for a HR.  The bullpen was awful as Balfour, Lance Cormier, and Alexander Torres all allowed at least 1 ER.

If Sean Rodriguez can show the Rays that he can handle the 2b duties (he had an error yesterday) and can rake like the Rays imagined he would, there is a possibility that he could be the opening day starter at 2B and Ben Zobrist would move to RF.  This would further complicate the OF glut that we currently have, but might give us our best lineup.  Joyce and Rodriguez are essentially battling for one starting position more than likely, even though they play different spots on the field.