Article: Get To Know: RHP Dereck Rodriguez

[Seth Stohs]

Dereck Rodriguez lived a childhood that many of us would dream of. His father is future Hall of Famer Ivan Rodriguez, so Dereck had the opportunity to hang out in big league clubhouses. However, Rodriguez is his own player and has already switched positions since the Twins drafted him as a potential five-tool outfielder in the 6th round of the 2011 draft. After three seasons as an outfielder, the organization moved him to the mound. Last year, he was named the Appalachian League Pitcher of the Year.Rodriguez will most likely start the 2016 season in Cedar Rapids with a chance to move up to Ft. Myers. Recently, Rodriguez took time out of his schedule to answer several questions for Twins Daily’s readers.

 

 

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Seth Stohs (SS): Born in Texas, grew up between Florida and Puerto Rico, is it pretty safe to say that at various times growing up you were a Rangers, Marlins, Tigers or Nationals fan growing up… and we can probably guess who your favorite player was?

 

Dereck Rodriguez (DR): Oh yeah. Growing up, I was a big Rangers fan. Even today, I still follow them a lot and enjoy watching their games. A lot of people think my dad was my favorite player growing up, but growing up, I just saw him as my dad, you know. My favorite player has and will always be Derek Jeter. I liked the way he played the game and how he was on and off the field

 

(SS): Did you spend a lot of time in the clubhouse with your dad, and if so, what are a couple of your favorite memories?

 

 

(DR): I spent most of my childhood in the clubhouse. It was a lot of fun just making friends with the other kids running around in the clubhouse and during BP. And of course meeting all the baseball players, current Hall of Famers and future Hall of Famers.

 

(SS): Let’s go back to your high school days. Did you play other sports, or were you involved in other activities?

 

 

(DR): In high school, I was strictly baseball. I mean, I liked basketball and other sports, but I was always playing baseball.

 

(SS): What were some of the highlights of your high school career?

 

 

(DR): Some of my highlights were hitting my home runs and the good defense I used to play in the outfield. And my senior year, of course, throwing a couple innings. So that was fun.

 

(SS): How old were you when you first started to see MLB scouts? Did the Twins and their scouts talk to you much leading up to the draft?

 

 

(DR): I was about 16 or 17 when scouts used to go see me already, going into my junior year, and throughout the rest of my high school career. And to be honest the Twins spoke to me one time before the draft, and they were the ones that picked me.

 

(SS): What were some of the bigger transitions for you adjusting to minor league baseball?

 

 

(DR): The biggest adjustment was being away from home and being on your own at such an early age. And the competition was different, a lot harder. It's like they would tell the new guys in mini camp right after you get drafted "when you were in high school or college, you were the big fish in a little pond, but now you're a small fish in a big pond" and it's true.

 

(SS): We know that you began your career as an outfielder. Was that your preferred position, and at what point did you realize that pitching was best for you and your career?

 

 

(DR): Yeah, that was my preferred position. I loved playing the outfield. I love playing defense and running down baseballs, making good throws, and throwing runners out. The Twins were the ones that thought it was a good idea for me to get on the mound and see what I've got. And me being the player I am, as long as I have a uniform on, wherever on the field it is, I'm happy.

 

(SS): Describe the type of pitcher that you are? When you are pitching well, as you did in Elizabethton in 2015, what makes you successful?

 

 

(DR): I feel like I'm a power pitcher. What makes me successful is I still have the mentality of a hitter. I know how hard hitting is. So I know when hitters are looking for one thing or another.

 

(SS): What are those things that you feel you needed to spend the offseason working on? What will be the keys to you taking the “next step?”

 

 

(DR): I need to work more on my fastball command a little bit more, and on my secondary pitches. That's what I feel will help me make that jump to hopefully being the 1-2 guy in the rotation and eventually being in the big leagues.

 

(SS): What was it like pitching in the Puerto Rico Winter League?

 

 

(DR): Winter ball is always a great experience. You learn so much from the veteran guys that have been playing baseball for a long time. Playing in that environment helps you become a stronger player mentally and physically

 

(SS): When you get away from baseball, what do you enjoy doing?

 

 

(DR): I just like hanging out with my friends and family. I don't get to spend much time with them because I'm always playing baseball. So I'm really only home for about 1 or 2 months out of the whole year. So I just spend time with them.

 

(SS): What are your goals for the 2016 season? Are there certain numbers/stats you’d like to focus on?

 

 

(DR): My goals are simple. If I can go out there every start that I have and compete the hardest I can every time I step on the mound, I'm happy.

 

(SS): Who are some of the people who have helped you get to this point in your career?

 

 

(DR): My family. 100% They have been there since day one and they're going to be there always. But the one that has always been there for me ever since I can remember was my Mom. When my dad was playing, she was the one that would take me to the tournaments and drive me 2-3 hours so I can play a game and drive back the same day. So she's my number one fan.

 

(SS): What would it mean to you and your family to put on the Minnesota Twins uniform and pitch in a regular season game in the big leagues?

 

 

(DR): I mean, that's what I've been working for ever since I was three years old when I first started playing baseball. That day, I don't even know how I'm going to tell my family I got called up, and that I'm flying them out. That's probably going to one of the happiest days of my life because it's not just for me, but for my mom. It's going to be super special knowing that all the trips and all the sacrifices she did paid off.

 

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Rodriguez will report to Twins minor league camp in mid-March. We certainly wish him well during the season. We would like to thank him for taking time to respond to our questions. Feel free to ask questions in the comments below.

 

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[tjwalen]

What was the main reason for the position switch? Poor hitting? What kind of pitch repertoire does he have?

[Seth Stohs]

Fastball, curveball, cutter and change.

[mnfanforlife]

This kid is a great example of why arm strength is so important for moving up in baseball. If Dereck didn't have a good arm, it's tough to imagine him playing for a MLB affiliate right now. Work on your arm strength, kids. Even college teams will keep an arm that throws 80-85. Dereck is obviously a great athlete, who's versatility has allowed him to continue playing pro ball. Sincerely hope to see him pitching in the big leagues someday.