The Denver Brewers completed their first trade of this off-season when they sent backup catcher Spencer Wilson, along with 24-year old minor league outfielder Chris Kim, to the El Paso Dawgs for infield prospect Rodrigo Rodriguez (RodRod- going to go in and fix it so that is his official nickname), who was on the market as a second baseman but whom the Brewers are planning to play mostly at third base, and 24-year old defensive specialist catcher Kirk Patnode.
Denver fans weren't thrilled with the news of Wilson's trade but the reality was that he had grown out of the backup job and with the slightly younger Zacarias Martell seemingly ready for a role on the big league club it was felt that both players would benefit from this move.
Another factor was that the Brewers owner wishes the front office to concentrate on upgrading at third base this coming season. Should Mike Foster not take another step forward, as it is hoped he will, RodRod provides a quality and largely WPK ready option at that position. What the Brewers brain trust most likes about RodRod is that he profiles as an infield version of Andrew Kennedy, with his superior contact potential (including an extreme ability to avoid being struck out) and great gap power, and propensity to spray line drives around the field. He might even hit with a bit more power than Kennedy. Although Rodriguez is error prone his overall defensive skills are strong and his has the arm to man third base.
Patnode is considered a strong leader and has such extreme defensive skills that even should he not prove to have the bat for the big leagues it is felt that he could be a valuable backup on the Brewers in the near future.
