Nelson Rodriguez’s name was called Tuesday afternoon in the MLB First-Year Player Draft, just not when he expected. In fact, he wasn’t even by his computer or checking his phone at the time.
Disappointed with how the afternoon was going, the George Washington catcher went to Men’s Wearhouse to go shopping for Wednesday’s prom when his mother called with the good news: the Cleveland Indians took him in the 15th round with the 473rd overall selection.
“When my mom told me, I felt happy, finally I got drafted,” he said. “Now I have to work harder, prove to everybody I should’ve been drafted higher. I have to work hard and do my job in the pros or go to college.”
Rodriguez followed the most famous former GW player, Manny Ramirez, who went to Cleveland with the 13th overall pick in the 1991 draft.
“It feels great that Manny got drafted by the Cleveland Indians and now I got drafted,” he said. “But we’re two different people. I have to do my job.”
Rodriguez said he plans to talk to his family before making any decisions about his future. He has signed with top junior college Central Arizona and may also attend four-year school Virginia Tech if he passes the NCAA Clearinghouse.
The power-hitting senior was hoping to go much higher. Many considered him a possible top-five round selection. One area scout described it as “shocking” he fell so far.
“He’s a guy with a lot of promise and a lot of upside,” the scout said.
Rodriguez had plenty of dialogue with the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Anaheim Angels and Indians, and took part in several national showcases for the country’s top prospects, including the Aflac All-American Game.
“I thought I would get drafted higher, but I’m thankful the Indians drafted me,” he said. “I’m still happy.”
GW coach Steve Mandl shared a story with Rodriguez of the day Ramirez signed. He felt he was low-balled, but Mandl explained that whatever he felt he was losing he could ask for down the road, when he established himself.
“If he’s supposed to make it, he’ll make it,” Mandl said. “He’s a great player and he’s going to be a good major-league player. It’s just a little derailment.”
Rodriguez was the only PSAL player chosen on Tuesday, surprising considering the wealth of talent in the league. Grand Street Campus’ Maryland-bound duo Jose Cuas and Kevin Martir went undrafted, as did Rodriguez’s GW teammate Fernelys Sanchez.
One area scout said it was the combination of high financial demands and the new collective bargaining agreement which puts a cap on money determined by round that led to rough day for the five boroughs.
“You want to give these kids a shot, you want to give them an opportunity to play at the next level, but sometimes they price themselves out,” the scout said. “Especially now with the new CBA, signability is a big question.”