Rodriguez Is More Than Capable Fill-In

After all the controversy, confusion and public announcements, Henry Rodriguez brought a welcome bit of subtlety to the Dodgers’ left-field position in the season opener Tuesday.

He won’t slam 30 home runs high and deep into the Dodger Stadium right-field bleachers, won’t hold court in front of the cameras, won’t command clubhouse attention with his very presence.

Some other guy who used to play left field for the Dodgers did all that.

But without the loud fanfare--for one quietly productive day, at least--Rodriguez slipped into the lineup and looked as if he might stay there for a while.

Rodriguez, the Dodgers’ only left-handed hitter with decent power, was put into the sixth spot in the batting order. He singled to center field in the fourth inning and hit a high Charlie Hough knuckler into the left-center alley for a double in the sixth.

And most important, Rodriguez battled Florida reliever Jeremy Hernandez through an eight-pitch at-bat to draw a key walk leading off the eighth. That triggered the game-winning rally in the Dodgers’ 4-3 victory.

It wasn’t exactly a Darryl Strawberry performance, but on a day the Dodgers sought to minimize the effect of his absence, it was quite sufficient.

“It’s only one game, but we’re going to need that from Henry,” said catcher Mike Piazza, one of the Dodgers’ brigade of right-handed power hitters. “He’s got a chance to play, and we’re really hoping for a breakthrough year from Henry, to come through with some big numbers.”

Rodriguez, 26, has merely waited his whole seven-year professional career for the chance.

Although Manager Tom Lasorda has avoided making a long-term commitment to anybody in left field--a platoon is probable--Rodriguez has the first chance to seize the job because he’s left-handed.

“It’s the perfect opportunity for him to do something,” batting coach Reggie Smith said. “It’s certainly not his fault he has this chance somewhat by default.

“There’s a window of opportunity for him. I’m not saying it’s absolutely critical that he produce right now. But it’s a window that may not always be there.”

Rodriguez, who was expected to be the Dodgers’ fourth or fifth outfielder this season, before Strawberry’s drug-abuse problem was revealed Monday, said he is ready for the moment.

Last year, playing as a utility outfielder and pinch-hitter, Rodriguez hit eight home runs in 176 at-bats, but batted only .222.

“I know I can do the job,” Rodriguez said. “I know I can play against anybody. Now it’s just try to produce and help the team.

“I was surprised because I was so relaxed out there. I got out to the field and the fans were saying ‘Hi’ to me, and I was saying ‘Hello’ to them. I wasn’t feeling pressure at all today. Reggie and Manny (Mota), they took me aside before the game today and said this is my chance maybe to make a spot for myself. But I just went out there and had fun.”

After Mitch Webster, who scored the winning run, ran for him in the eighth, Rodriguez received a reception in the dugout usually reserved for somebody who had just hit a home run.

“Everybody was pulling for me today, and I appreciated it,” Rodriguez said. “High-fives, that was pretty exciting.

“Straw’s not here now, and he hasn’t played much in two years. I’ve got the opportunity to play every day now, the opportunity to win a job.”

With Raul Mondesi jumping into the starting right-field position this spring and Billy Ashley hitting homers in the minors, it looked as though Rodriguez might be squeezed out of a chance to start with the Dodgers.

The right-handed Ashley took Strawberry’s roster spot and could end up platooning with Rodriguez. Mitch Webster and Cory Snyder, when he gets off the disabled list, might play left field, too.

Smith said that as long as Rodriguez doesn’t try to overpower the ball, as he did during one bad year in the minors, he can be an integral part of the Dodger offense.

“I believe with time, he can develop 15- to 20-homer power,” Smith said.

“It’s important for him to do it in the power slots in our lineup. (Having a left-handed hitter) kind of breaks things up, where the other team can’t just go in there with their top right-handed reliever to go against the meat of our lineup.”