30 A's in 30 Days – Henry Rodriguez

Acquired: Signed as non-drafted free agent (2003).
Contract: One year thru 2010.
Position: Relief pitcher, Venezuelan Rick Vaughn

Projected ERA: 4.60

Over/Under: There's no chance that Rodriguez will make the A's Opening Day roster, but he's a lot more fun to write about than choosing from the handful of "coming-off-injury" Oakland relievers I've yet to profile. All you need to know about Rodriguez can be found in his 2009 numbers at AAA-Sacramento (43.2 innings, 38 walks, 71(!) strikeouts and an ERA of 5.77(!!!)). Over two consecutive appearances in late July, he surrendered seven runs on five hits and three walks – while retiring just ONE batter.

He made his Major League debut on September 21 vs. the Rangers and by the grace of God, I was still awake during that meaningless end-of-season two-team sleepwalk. Rodriguez came out to pitch the eighth inning and his game log reads: single, groundout, wild pitch, wild pitch, walk, hit by pitch, error, deep flyout, and strikeout. I didn't want that inning to end. OVER.

By the Numbers: 308 – Rodriguez's career minor league innings pitched over four seasons. In that time, he's compiled the following statistical roller coaster: 1.627 WHIP, 7.9 hits per nine innings, 0.4 HR/9, 6.8 BB/9, 11.5 K/9.

Surefire 2010 Prediction: I'm not saying that Henry Rodriguez will put it all together this year, but if he does, I guarantee I'll be the first in line with the Henry "Rowengartner" Rodriguez nickname. I want you ALL to remember who christened it when everyone in Oakland is using it. Someday.

Snoop Dogg Track for the Season: Loosen' Control