Ricardo Rodriguez (minors03)

Ricardo Ferman Rodriguez Santana
middle name also listed as Fermin

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 0", Weight 170 lb.

• Born April 28, 1981 in Caracas Venezuela

BR page

Biographical Information

Ricardo Rodriguez played 8 years in the minor leagues.

Rodriguez debuted in 1999 with the DSL Braves, hitting .250. In 2000, he batted .209/.333/.284 for the GCL Braves and .172/.250/.207 for the Danville Braves. Ricardo split 2001 between Danville (.190/.267/.255, 12 SB, 5 CS) and the Macon Braves (3 for 16, BB). In 2002, Rodriguez hit .291/.364/.367 in 26 games for Macon and was 3 for 15 with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans.

Disappointing with his progress at the plate, the Atlanta Braves converted the Venezuelan into a pitcher. For the 2003 Rome Braves, the former infielder was 8-4 with a save and a 3.45 ERA; he walked 38 in 60 innings but fanned 52 and gave up 51 hits.

In 2004, Rodriguez went 5-3 with a team-high 12 saves and a 3.26 ERA in 31 games for Rome. He struck out 61 while walking 16 in 49 2/3 IP. The next year, he fell to 3-9 with a save and a 5.34 ERA for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, striking out 80 in 86 innings.

Rodriguez pitched for the Spanish national team in the 2005 Baseball World Cup, walking a team-worst 8 in only 6 innings and surrendering five runs. Ricardo completed his US career with the 2006 High Desert Mavericks, allowing two runs in 3 1/3 IP.

In the 2007 European Championship, Rodriguez did not pitch for Spain, instead going 3-for-9 as a part-time DH for the Bronze Medal winners. He was again a DH in the 2007 Baseball World Cup, batting .273/.273/.364 as Spain's primary player in that role. Spain's DH in the 2008 Final Olympic Qualification Tournament, he hit .333/.333/.444 to lead the team in average.

He hit .269/.363/.423 in Spain's 2008 Division Honor.

Sources

• Defunct IBAF site
• 2001-2006 Baseball Almanacs
• Mister Baseball
• Pat Doyle's Professional Baseball Player Database
• Spanish Baseball and Softball Federation