Pirates Utilityman Sean Rodriguez: Let Pitchers Hit In Both Leagues
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) - Off to a hot start this season, Pirates utilityman Sean Rodriguez joined the Starkey and Mueller show to talk about his role on this team and what it's like playing under Clint Hurdle after spending time with Joe Maddon in Tampa Bay.
"You can hear Clint when he's in the room," Rodriguez said. "Joe's probably more soft-spoken, more smooth with his words and low tones, but a lot of similarities in the way they go about their business and the way they respect the game."
Following the season-ending injury to St. Louis Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright, Rodriguez weighed in on the debate that has come up over whether or not the DH should be implemented in the National League.
"On the competitive side, the pitchers out there pitching, he should be allowed to hit," Rodriguez said. "It takes away from the aggression on wanting to hit guys if they're feeling too comfortable because it's like, 'Well, he's got to come up so we can get after him again.' I guess it's a long debate. I essentially don't like taking too much away from the character of baseball, so I would stick with the way things have been."
Rodriguez also talked about his reaction to the news he was traded from the Rays to the Pirates this past off-season and why he described the move as "bittersweet" at first.
"It definitely faded over the off-season," Rodriguez said. "I spent a little over five years with Tampa. I feel like it was something both the organization, the team, and we had a relationship that was something we could continue forward with; but obviously, they had different directions they wanted to take things in and I wasn't in that future. That actually kind of hurt seeing as I was there to help build up what had become and is today the Tampa Bay Rays."
Click the audio link below to hear more from Rodriguez as he talks about what position is his favorite to play and what his go-to-pitch would be if he ever got the chance to pitch in a game.