15 Key Pirates Position Players for 2015: #14 Sean Rodriguez

15 Keys for 2015

15. Jose Tabata

2014 Statistics

237 AB/.211 BA/.258 OBP/.443 SLG/12 HR

2015 ZiPS Projections

.240 BA/.303 OBP/.393 SLG/.303 wOBA

 Why the Ranking?

Before the signing of Jung-ho Kang, Sean Rodriguez appeared to be in line for a decent super-utility role a la the expectation for Josh Harrison during the 2014.  Obviously that would have led to a higher ranking on this list.  Rodriguez should now expect to be sparingly used off the bench; maybe similar to the role that Clint Barmes(less at SS however) played while healthy last year.  There is still value to be taken from this role.  It is easy to overlook having Sean Rodriguez in that 25th roster spot over a Brett Morel or a Michael Martinez but that would truly be a mistake.  While it would not be ideal for Rodriguez to receive considerable playing time he has shown that he belongs in the majors and has more upside than the quad-A players mentioned earlier.

The greatest strength that Rodriguez brings to the Pirates is his ability to adequately play all over the field.  Over the last two years he has seen time at 6 positions, everywhere but catcher, center field and pitcher, and for most of his career he has been an above average fielder at all those positions.  This is not to say Rodriguez is just a defense-only guy.  While he has never gotten on base at a high clip, there is just enough pop to consider him an above average utilityman. 

Even with all the middle infielders the Pirates have acquired over the past offseason, there is no argument for any of them making the opening day roster instead of a healthy Sean Rodriguez.  This is a good enough reason to place him 14 on this list.