Players I Really Want The Mets to Draft: C Nelson Rodriguez

Nelson Rodriguez – C – George Washington High School (NYC)

Nelson Rodriguez is a big-bodied slugging catcher/1b for George Washington High School right here in New York City. While the Washington Heights-located high school might best be known for alum Henry Kissinger, baseball fans know the school better for producing greats Rod Carew and Manny Ramirez. Nelson Rodriguez looks to be the next big name to come out of this Manhattan public school.

Throughout my research about many players looking to get drafted in June, I cannot help but “like” certain players for work ethic, special ability, their story, or simply a skill package I can dream about seeing in Flushing one day. Nelson Rodriguez is one of those players. While some experts think he is destined for first base because of his size (he is already 6’3”, 230 lbs), I am of the opinion that his physique just makes him more physically imposing behind the dish. Defensively, Rodriguez has a pop time of 1.90 seconds and has a cannon for an arm. He moves well behind the plate and has soft hands.

Now, let’s talk bat. Scouts say Nelson has enough bat to play at first at the next level and get drafted as a first baseman. It is that good. Scouts have described his bat as having “light-tower power” and while he does strike out, he also has a strong eye and advanced patience for his age, walking 38 times as a sophomore (in a season in which he hit .516, by the way).

According to pointstreak.com, Rodriguez scored in the 92^nd percentile in hitting for the REACT test and his Powerball throw (weight ball throw) went farther than any other competitor and by a wide margin.

According to interim head coach Nick Carbone, Nelson is typically the first player in the batting cages, even showing up at 6 A.M. on Saturdays before double-headers to get his swings in.

You can see why I like this kid. Work ethic, prestigious power, and defensive skills strong enough to stick at catcher. The Mets badly need a catcher in their system—why not invest in a local kid with an inspiring work ethic and a bat that could wreak havoc in the middle of the Mets lineup in a few years? I would not mind seeing the Mets take Nelson as early as the supplemental round but if he has another good spring and teams believe he will stick at catcher, he might be long gone by then. If he is around by our second pick, we should grab him. Do it, Sandy.

Next up on this series: A division II reliever who hit 101 MPH in his first outing of the spring.

--Stephen

Links:

ESPN article: http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/high-school/post/_/id/2046/gws-nelson-rodriguez-a-force-at-the-plate-and-behind-it

MLB Draft Guide Profile: http://mlbdraftguide.com/1/2012/02/06/nelson-rodriguez-2012-draft-profile/

Youtube video of Rodriguez’s Perfect Game Showcase: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oehoao80t4Y

Perfect Game profile: http://www.perfectgame.org/players/playerprofile.aspx?ID=252241

Pointstreak post (with REACT scores highlights): http://www.pointstreak.com/baseball/player.html?playerid=64443