Sean Rodriguez Newest Buc Bench Infielder; Gaby Gets DFA'ed

In a MLB chain reaction, utility man Sean Rodriguez, 29 (he'll be 30 in April), is moving north to Pittsburgh. It all started when Bucco bust Ernesto Frieri was signed by Tampa Bay; that led to Rodriguez being DFA'ed to clear roster space. That, in turn, has led to Gaby Sanchez being DFA'ed for the same reason. Tampa Bay will receive cash and a PTBNL for Rodriguez, while the Bucs have until midnight tomorrow (his tender date for arb) to shop Gaby before he becomes a FA.

Sean Rodriguez (photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)

In his seven years, Rodriguez has posted a .225/.298/.372 slash. Last year he hit just .211 with a .258 OBP, but did bash 12 HRs in 259 PA. Steamer has him projected for a .224/.283/.368 slash, more in line with his career norms.

The Tampa IF'er made $1.475M last season. This is his final arb year, and he's probably looking at a $2M deal.Rodriguez had spent five years in Tampa Bay, serving as the team's utility dude after starting off with the Angels for parts of two campaigns.

He's done everything but pitch and catch for the Rays, and he seems to be more in the mold of Josh Harrison than Clint Barmes (Rodriguez only played one game at short last year; he mostly manned the corners). No problem there; the Pirates have locked up the market on AAAA back-up infielders, stocking up on potentially cheaper alternatives to Barmes.

Rodriguez looks as if he'll get to see time all over the lot as the RH fill-in. Last year, his splits were pretty miserable, hitting .221 v LHP and just .200 against same-siders. His career line is a little better, with a .247/.221 gap, but certainly not strong enough to consider him a lefty-basher. Gaby's lifetime average against southpaws is .291 (though it was only .256 last year). So the Bucs are gaining a few dollars trimmed off the payroll (Gaby was projected to earn $2.7M) and some more versatility while giving up some offense.

It's just a little more minor wheelin' and dealing going on around the edges of the club. The team was pretty well set in the field; now to see some action on those pitchers.