Josh Rodriguez signed, sealed, on field in a jiffy

It didn't take long for the former Rice player to impress Mahoning Valley manager Rouglas Odor.
By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
NILES -- It didn't take Mahoning Valley Scrappers manager Rouglas Odor long to find out what a quality ballplayer he has in Josh Rodriguez.
Rodriguez, a second round selection in the 2006 Major League Baseball draft, joined the Scrappers Saturday after signing a contract with the Cleveland Indians, the parent club of the Scrappers.
"It was amazing," said Odor. "He walked into the clubhouse and we talked and I told him that he wouldn't be playing tonight [Saturday], but he would be playing tomorrow [Sunday]."
About an hour later Odor found out that his scheduled shortstop, Andy Lytle, was injured and unable to play.
Compliant
"I went back to Josh and told him that I needed him to play tonight," Odor said. "He never hesitated and just asked 'Where do you want me to go.' "
"He was amazing, he got two hits in that game and played outstanding in the field and I'll tell you, I was impressed," Odor added.
Rodriguez was signed by the Indians out of Rice University where he helped his team to the College World Series.
He was a third-team All-American in 2005, the year he switched from shortstop to second base, and batted .345 with 11 home runs, 82 hits and three triples.
He was the Tribe's third draft selection, the 57th overall pick in the draft. He is the team's highest draft pick under contract.
The team's No. 1 pick, left-handed pitcher David Huff of UCLA, and their No. 2 pick, right-hander Steven Wright of Hawaii, have not signed yet.
College dream fufilled
"Playing in the College World Series was an experience that I'll never forget," Rodriguez said. "It's what every college baseball player dreams about, playing in front of those huge crowds in one of the greatest baseball atmospheres in the world."
The 21-year-old feels that his college experience will definitely help him in professional baseball.
"I guess you could say that I have a slight advantage having competed in the Series, but I still have to produce now that I'm here."
The right-handed hitting infielder hasn't done too bad in his first two games with Mahoning Valley, getting four hits in eight trips for a .500 batting average. He had one hit in four at-bats Monday.
"Almost every year after the college season I've played in wooden bat leagues over the summer, so I knew what to expect," he added.
"Since I've come here in the middle of a home stand I still don't know what it is going to be like out on the road, but I've heard that it's pretty rough. In college we never had more than a five-hour drive to a game," he continued.
The youngster will find out quickly since the team left Tuesday for a 10-hour bus ride to Lowell, Mass., where the Scrappers will open a three-game series there tonight.
Although he played shortstop in his first two games, Odor says that Rodriguez will play both short and second base for the Scrappers.
"He's got a strong throwing arm and probably could play anywhere in the infield," Odor added.
Rodriguez has been impressed with what he's seen so far in the Mahoning Valley.
"I haven't seen any other parks, but I've been told that we have one of the best facilities in the league," Rodriguez said. "I like the stadium and the playing surface is excellent."
Every player's goal
The native of Houston is like every other minor league ball player in the organization. He's hoping that his stay with the Scrappers will be a short one.
"Everybody wants to move up in the organization and I'm no different, but I know that I have to produce in order for that to happen," he added.
"I plan on working as hard as I possibly can here and do everything that the organization asks me to do."
One thing about baseball, the game is the same wherever you go, only the scenery changes," he said.
mollica@vindy.com