Leonardo Rodríguez
He finally made his big league debut as a pinch hitter on the road in Rockville, flying out to centerfield. He went on to start 16 games, usually as the designated hitter, and batted .213/.318/.436 in 94 at-bats, good for an OPS+ of 106. Not awful, but not what a team is looking for from its DH. Soon, the summons to the manager’s office came. He was going to be returned to Vancouver. The team wished him well and appreciated his contribution. He was not surprised, but disappointed nevertheless.
Later that day, he was cleaning out his locker when the clubbie told him that the manager wanted to see him. “Now what?” he wondered. Was it possible that they had changed their minds? A tiny bubble of hope surfaced.
“Sit down, Leo. I’ve got good news,” said manager Jared Gillstrom. Leo had been in awe of Gillstrom since he arrived in camp back in February. Gillstrom was a Hall of Fame shortstop who had won just about every award possible.
“I just got off the phone with Mr. Roberts.” Roberts was the New Orleans general manager. “He’s worked a deal with Montreal. You’re not going back to Vancouver. You’re going to stay in the big leagues with the first place Blazers.”
Rodríguez was stunned. He just sat there with his mouth open.
“Leo, you’re going to like it there. It’s a class organization. I loved my days with Montreal. I’ve already called Ernie and told him what a good kid you are.” Gillstrom stood up. “See the travel secretary. He’s got your plane ticket. Good luck, son!”
[Narrator voiceover] “Leo did indeed like Montreal. In his first 39 games with his new club, he hit .241/.375/.483 for a 139 OPS+. Since his arrival, he had been the everyday DH versus right-handed pitching. After a red-hot August that saw him hit .265/.402/.482 against RHP, he was elevated to hit second ahead of two future Hall of Famers, Gonzalez and Aldo. Maybe he wasn’t an impostor, after all.”
