Gulf Breeze resident signs with Pelicans
From Wire Reports

Rodriguez

The Pensacola Pelicans announced last week the signing of left-handed pitcher Jeff Rodriguez to a contract for the 2007 season.

Rodriguez will begin his first professional season with the Pelicans as a situational pitcher out of the bullpen.

"Jeff is a guy that can throw up to three pitches for strikes," said Pelicans manager Mac Seibert. "He will play an important situational role against both left and right handed hitters."

The Gulf Breeze resident played at Pensacola Junior College and was a member of the 2005 Junior College World Series fifth place team.

In 2005, Rodriguez finished with a 4-0 record with five saves and 1.46 ERA, good for the third best ERA in the state of Florida among all 25 junior colleges.

He struck out 41 batters and walked only seven on his way to being awarded the PJC Reliever of the Year Award.

"While with Devil Rays, I scouted Jeff and saw him pitch with PJC several times," added Seibert. "Every manager loves to have a left-handed pitcher like Jeff on his team."