Rodriguez Survived an Unsettling Winter

While most of the Angels spent the off-season enjoying their overnight celebrity, Francisco Rodriguez became a target.

Home in Caracas, Venezuela, the rookie pitcher who rocketed to stardom in the postseason feared leaving his house because of social unrest. His grandmother and brothers, he said, were robbed at gunpoint three times in one week.

“Was I scared?” he said. “Sure, man. Everybody recognizes me on the street. There are so many problems, people wanted me to give them money.”

Rodriguez was a day late to camp, arriving early Sunday morning, because he was unable to secure a visa.

“It’s a tough situation in Venezuela,” he said. “There is no gas for cars. The freeways are closed. The U.S. Embassy was closed. There is a lot of protest in the streets and it’s tough to get out.”

Venezuelan winter league officials planned to showcase the World Series hero, but he pitched only four innings in two games before the season was canceled Dec. 9.

Rodriguez didn’t play political games, either, declining to meet with embattled President Hugo Chavez.

“We talked on the phone and I said, ‘Not right now,’ ” Rodriguez said. “I wanted to wait until it calms down. I don’t want to look like I’m endorsing someone.”

He didn’t appear worse for the wear Sunday despite getting only a few hours sleep after a 12-hour flight.

“Frankie threw great,” said catcher Wil Nieves, who caught his bullpen session. “His ball was down and the movement was there.”

Rodriguez, 21, believes he has plenty to prove. He was 5-1 with 28 strikeouts in 18 2/3 innings during the postseason, but spending an entire season in the major leagues will be a new experience.

“I’m a little bit [apprehensive],” he said. “The World Series is in the past. I want to show the Angels and the fans and my family what I can do in a full season.”

Regardless of how he does on the field, he won’t relax until his grandmother and a handful of his siblings reach the U.S.

“I’m bringing my family here in the spring, as soon as they can get here,” he said. “When my [grandmother] gets here, it will be much better. I’ll have no worries.”

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With only pitchers and catchers in camp, it’s little wonder Manager Mike Scioscia gravitates toward the guys wearing masks and shin guards.

“Of all the things about this job, what I enjoy the most is working on the field, particularly with the catchers,” he said. “It’s fun to share ideas and apply things on the field to make guys better.”

Angel minor league catchers are aware of their good fortune.

“Manager or not, he is a catcher of great stature, and that makes his instruction like gold,” said Trent Durrington, who converted to catcher from second base two years ago. “His attention to detail is the greatest.”

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Pitcher Ramon Ortiz is not in camp because of visa problems in the Dominican Republic. Scioscia said Ortiz would arrive “in a day or two.” ... Outfielders Darin Erstad, Tim Salmon, Jeff DaVanon and Gary Johnson worked out Sunday. All are recovering from injuries or surgery.... Former Angel pitcher Jim Abbott is the first of several guest instructors. Bobby Grich and Gary DiSarcina will work with infielders in coming weeks.