Bats/Throws: R/R

Height/Weight: 6’3”/210

Acquired: NDFA 7/2/08

Born: Santo Domingo, DR

2010 Rank: 24

Why Ranked Here: Aderlin Rodriguez, who turned 19 last November, garners this position on the potential to have a very special bat.  He’s the best pure power-hitting prospect in the lower part of the Mets’ system.

A big kid, Rodriguez employs a simple swing with a small leg kick, and generates tremendous natural loft.  He was promoted to Savannah for the final week of the regular season and the Gnats playoff game series against the Greenville Drive, a Red Sox affiliate whose home, Fluor Field mimics Fenway’s dimensions right down to a Monster in left field.  In batting practice, Rodriguez put on a show, banging balls off and over the monster, in a way that no other Gnat, even players five years his senior, was comfortable doing.  Rodriguez notes that his number one priority as a hitter is becoming more patient.  As is the case with almost all young hitters, Rodriguez will occasionally get himself out by chasing breaking balls.  Simply, his improved pitch recognition will come with more repetitions playing the game.

Rodriguez is rough defensively at third base.  He committed 20 errors in 61 games in the Appalachian League and two more in eight games in the SAL and a costly miscue in game one of the Gnats’ best-of-three playoff game in Greenville.  He’s a big-bodied kid who might simply well outgrow third base.  As is, he will need to work hard to improve his footwork and reactions.  His arm isn’t special for the position.  Add it up, and he might well be looking at first base as his eventual position.

2010: The Kingsport Mets Sterling Award winner, Rodriguez was all over the Appalachian League leader board.  He finished fifth in batting average, fourth in slugging, second in doubles, and third in hits, home runs, extra base hits and total bases.

Dr. Pangloss Says: An offensive force at 3B, who plays adequate defense

Debbie Downer Says: Forced to move to first, Rodriguez bat doesn’t keep developing and he ends up as something less than an everyday first baseman.

Projected 2011 Start: Savannah, where he ended 2010

MLB Arrival: September 2014