WINNIPEG, MB – Anytime you can add a four-time All-Star to your lineup, the lineup is set to improve. That’s exactly what the Winnipeg Goldeyes did on Friday, signing veteran first baseman/outfielder Reynaldo Rodriguez for the upcoming season.
Rodriguez, who originally signed as an international free agent with the New York Yankees in 2003, will begin his 14th professional season this coming spring. Most recently, Rodriguez appeared in 22 games for the Venzuelan Winter League’s Aguilas de Zulia, where he had two homers and 12 RBI’s while hitting .346 in 22 games.
The Cartagena, Colombia native has been named an All-Star four times throughout his 13 seasons in the affiliated minor leagues, and has reached the Triple-A level in four different seasons throughout his career.
“I’m very excited to add Reynaldo to our club,” said Goldeyes’ manager Rick Forney. “I really believe he will be a big-time run producer for us.”
In 13 professional seasons, the 31-year-old has a career .269 average with 234 doubles, 123 home runs, 510 RBI, 122 stolen bases, and a .462 slugging percentage over 976 games played. Rodriguez has averaged 93 runs scored, 39 doubles, 20 home runs, 85 RBI, and 57 walks per 162 contests, while also contributing a .990 fielding percentage in 678 career games at first base.
The Goldeyes now have 18 players under contract for the 2018 season. American Association clubs may carry up to 28 players during spring training, which begins May 6th.
Bill Burfoot, Manitoba Post