PICK 2.14 - 38th Overall

Ivan Rodriguez, TEX C
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rodriiv01.shtml

A run on pitchers ensued in round two as 10 of the first 13 picks in the round were hurlers.  The only exceptions were big bats Miguel Tejada, Andruw Jones and Nomar Garciaparra.  While the thought of snagging a pitcher (Pettitte) crossed my mind, I decided to resist the temptation.  Instead, I selected a player I had on my short list in round one - Ivan Rodriguez.

While there were other bigger bats out there to snag, none come close to the positional advantage a guy like I-Rod brings to the table.  Offensively, he's the best catcher out there, with the exception of maybe Mike Piazza.  But throw in his defensive prowess and he's a no-brainer selection in this spot.  Coming off his MVP season in 1999, Rodriguez followed it up by hitting .347 with a 1.042 OPS in 91 games.  Both were high marks for him in his 21 year Hall of Fame career.  He continues with OPS numbers in the high 800s for the next four years.  Again, other players available at this spot can match his offensive numbers, but his defense, at a vital position, is what sets him apart.  He led the league in caught stealing percentage in both 2000 and 2001, then again in 2004 and 2005.  Opposing baserunners had little chance against him.  Of course, he only played in a limited amount of games in 2000 so I'll have to address his backup a little sooner than expected.  But since he hit equally well from both sides of the plate, I can target somebody who excels from one or the other.  Not worried about the catcher position at all.

With so many pitchers already gone, I may just wait to address the rotation and continue loading up on the offense.  Still several very good bats left to choose from.  With my pick coming a little sooner next round on the turnaround, I'm hoping at least one makes it to my pick.