Jason Rogers Willing To Do Whatever It Takes To Make Pirates' Roster
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) - When he came over in a trade with Milwaukee, it appeared right-hitting Jason Rogers could be the Pirates' first baseman in 2016. But, much has transpired since Dec. 17.
The 28-year-old hit .286 in 94 games with the Brewers with four homers after hitting .344 in Triple A in 2015. The Bucs gave up speedy outfielder Keon Broxton and right-hander Trey Supak to acquire Rogers.
Six days after the trade, the Pirates added John Jaso and said they would move him from catcher to first. Then, there was the camp signing of David Freese, who can play first and third base - both positions where Rogers plays. Add in Michael Morse, Jake Goebbert and Sean Rodriguez and it gets very crowded over there.
"I just want my name in the lineup, will go wherever they want, even if it's pitching or catching," Rogers said. "I will go wherever."
So far this Spring, Rogers is hitting .229 with just one extra base hit and has been playing a lot at third, where he admits he still needs some work.
"I could do a lot better," said Rogers, Milwaukee's 2013 Minor League Player of the Year. "I never really had a good Spring in the past, but I need to change that. It's time to change that, hopefully we can push through and get better."
Rogers still has an option left to the minors, which probably doesn't help his chances of making the roster out of camp. Rogers is not bitter and says he enjoys the Pirates and is glad to be with the organization. He said he's been dealing with competition his whole life and you just take it day-by-day and don't worry about the other person.
The owner of a pinch-hit grand slam as one of his major league home runs, Rogers nearly was a quarterback in college. The Georgia native signed with Alabama A&M before deciding to play baseball. He started with a tryout at Southern Union State Community College and went on to Columbus State University. Rogers felt like he had a better chance to make a career in baseball, not to mention stay healthier.
"I'm fine with baseball, it's my career. It's a longer career than football, too. Especially nowadays, guys are quitting in their mid-20s and 30s. I'm happy I made the right choice," he said.