Marlon Byrd vs John Rodriguez

The decision to cut either Marlon Byrd, an exciting HR/SB prospect a couple years ago, or recent STL call-up, John Rodriguez, was made.

Bye-bye, Byrdie.

Nats GM Jim Bowden suffers from OF-aphilia as evidenced by his claiming of Reds OF Kenny Kelly. The prior addition of $14 million man, Preston Wilson, had already relegated Byrd to, at best, a platton situation with legit ROY candidate, Ryan Church. Add-in Brad Wilkerson who is temproarily manning 1B for the oft-ibjured Nick Johnson, and one has a situation where full-time ABs for Byrd are presiged on multiple injuries.

John Rodriguez was crushing HRs in AAA. In STL, the reputationally oft-injured Reggie Sanders broke a leg which resulted in JRod's promotion. Add-in Larry Walkers 5-time-per-week availabaility and there is room for 10+ ABs per week in the OF.

Consider Scott Rolen's sore shoulder. In addition to being back-up OF, John Mabry is also the back-up 3B. With him filling-in at 3B, J Rod has one less back-up OF to compete with for ABs.

JRod hit a HR last night and could be a surprise 5-10 HR hitter the rest of the way. If you can, grab him.