Uncommitted 2020 Spotlight: RHP David Rodriguez
November 5, 2019
Follow @PBRCalifornia Follow @Clemmens_PBR Follow @PBR_Uncommitted
VACAVILLE, CA. - The Vacaville Bulldogs have turned into a power program in the Sac-Joaquin Section, winning the last two D1 championships. As a junior, 2020 RHP David Rodriguez was a big time contributor and leaned on to carry a big load. In order to 3-peat, he's likely going to have to be the rock of the rotation. His line for the 2019 season; 10 G, 8 GS, 45.1 IP, W-L 6-1, 0.77 ERA, 27 H, 45 K, 4 BB, 2 CG, 1 SV
Rodriguez is also a talented offensive/defensive player, but it's my opinion that he's most recruitable/projectable on the mound. When playing a position, he's a left-hand hitting 3rd baseman with some pop. We most recently saw him on the mound last summer at Bay Area World Series, here is a collection of pitching reports from what we've seen of 2020 RHP David Rodriguez of Vacaville HS.
Scouting ReportS
6/1/18- 6/3/18 BAWS 2018 - Strong present day 6-foot-0 170-pound body with a good frame and potential to develop a powerful body type; On mound, simple delivery keeping hands mid-chest before a high front shoulder; added deception by pushing glove hand at catcher and having long arm pause behind back before 3/4 release. Fastball 79-81 mph with angle through lower half of the zone; less control of pitch in stretch. Curveball 67-71 mph, 12/6 actions with small break showing depth at plate; feel for pitch. Change-up 68-71 mph arm side run with limited action/feel.
1/27/19 - PBR N CA Preseason All-State - Stout and broad at 6-foot-1 195-pounds, gaining size and strength since last viewing, competed as two-way player, on mound has a fairly high ceiling, good delivery and understands how his body works, loose high knee lift, on-time separation, long deep backside with control of arm swing, firm stride leg with good front side stability for leverage, real nice extension to release point, stuff comes out of hand easily, chance to really develop quality stuff and with minimal arm effort, fastball (T84) with length through zone, curveball (67-69 mph) feel is good and has late break with two-plane action, certainly has chance to be high quality second pitch, change-up (70-71 mph) could become a plus pitch for him, has feel of it and looks capable of being a swing and miss pitch at times. Quality full three-pitch repertoire and good velocity projectability.
8/25/18 - PBR N CA Underclass Games - 6-foot-0, 175-pounds, sizeable frame with ample room to fill out, lower body has chance to pack on power throughout the hips and upper legs; High-3/4 slot with good direction toward the plate, has feel of his body movements on the mound, lower body works well though could establish more stability so as not to fall off and lose some of his stuff. Arm works well and clean, showed late life with the fastball as he gets to good extension. Curveball has nice spin and good late action. As he gains more lower body strength his velocity will steadily tick up. Arm works easy and he doesn’t have to work very hard to get to his low-mid-80s. Demeanor on the mound is good and he’s also a good athlete off the mound.
7/18/18 - Summer tourney - Big, strong, physical body with a frame to grow into, lots of upside for his young frame and physicality. Pronounced size in quads, backside, and hips. Wide back. Fastball dominant at times, never dipped below 82, sat 82, 83, touched 84 on one occasion; change-up consistent 67, 68. Breaking ball had the latest break of any pitcher throughout the day. All three pitches release out of the same tube to the plate. Endurance and control in later innings will improve with experience, conditioning, and experience.
6/12/18 - PBR N CA Underclass Games Trial - Physical description from previous report holds up; On mound looked good. Deep stab on backside helps create good leverage in arm stroke. High-3/4 slot and easy arm action that could develop into a power type arm. Slight cross body stride but works well on the mound. Could stay behind the ball a bit better to allow for more energy through release. 11/5 type curveball break with gradual break, release was clean. Change-up has chance to be an above average offering, good finish. As body firms up and strength is added there is a lot to like with him.