INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – These days, Endy Rodriguez garners significant attention.
Bombarded by media on his first day in Indianapolis this week, Rodriguez was asked if he feels any pressure due to the lofty expectations surrounding him. Without allowing the question to finish, Rodriguez responded with a brief, emphatic “no.”
Though Rodriguez has long been a fixture on prospect lists, his profile soared following an impressive breakout campaign in 2022.
His approach to handling the increased attention is straightforward:
“I just try to enjoy the game,” Rodriguez said. “I don’t think too much. I just play the game and give 100 percent of myself.”
Rodriguez’s rise to prominence has been swift, as he climbed three levels in 2022 to reach Triple-A. Despite being fast-tracked, Rodriguez unmistakably showcased his star potential, hitting .455 with a 1.208 OPS in just 22 at-bats with Indianapolis. He opened the 2023 season with a home run in his first at-bat.
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For Indianapolis manager Miguel Perez, the term “pressure” is one to avoid when discussing Rodriguez. However, even if it comes up, it doesn’t seem to affect the mature and soft-spoken 22-year-old.
“I don’t think pressure is a word you want to use around Endy,” Perez said. “We may feel pressure, but he doesn’t feel any pressure. He has a slow heart beat. He’s fun to be around and when he watches the game, his lens continues to expand. He’s going to be very special in this game.”
While Rodriguez doesn’t naively ignore the immense expectations to become a standout player in baseball, his simple approach helps alleviate much of that burden.
“At the end of the day it’s just a game,” Rodriguez said. “Everybody thinks it’s a job, and it is, but 70 percent is a game. You need to enjoy the game because it is so hard if you are thinking too much.”
Ryan has been following Indianapolis baseball for most of his life, and the Pirates since they became the affiliate in 2005. He began writing for Pirates Prospects in 2013, in a stint that ran through 2016 (with no service time manipulation played in). Ryan rejoined the team in 2022, covering Indianapolis once again. He has covered the Pirates in four different big league stadiums. Ryan was also fortunate enough to cover the 2015 Futures Game in Cincinnati.
Florial DFA’d. I’d take a flier on claiming or trading for him.
So now not only do I want Endy in the big leagues but I also want him as my life coach. Great perspective and attitude.
Lots of people talk about extending Cruz, but he scares me. There’s concerns about work ethic, and I worry all that guaranteed money could go to his head. Endy is the guy I’d look to sign to one of those early, long contracts. And I’d do it now. If you wait a year or two until he proves some things, the price goes up. And at worst I think he will be a solid contributor. Like a 2-3 WAR guy. Could be much more.
There are not concerns about Cruz’ work ethic. Where is your source for this?. A written source, not rumor mongering. I’ve seen folks intimate this before and I think he obviously works extremely hard. It’s a cheap shot without examples.
Check out that “ankle injury” he had like two years ago. Lol. I wouldn’t extend Cruz until he proves himself.
It’s very early in his career and do we even know what position he will play? Lots of factors at play…
The writers on this site who have observed him in person.
Per an Eno Sarris Athletic article “According to those around him, Cruz is a quiet, self-driven, and competitive person on a day-to-day basis.” At least that sounds positive.
IIRC he also only signed for a 10k bonus, so definitely would appreciate some financial security i would guess
The news about Endy just keeps getting better and better, A lineup of:
Bae
Endy
Reynolds
Cruz
Santana
Jack
Hayes
DH
RF
might actually score some runs?
So yes to Jack and no to Cutch? Are you talking about 2023 or 2026?
I’d get Jack out of there asap but sure.
I had trouble after the first five.