Q&A With Centerfielder Mike Rodriguez

Jan. 25, 2001

Coral Gables, Fla. (www.hurricanesports.com) — –

Q&A with Mike Rodriguez

Mike Rodriguez, a junior centerfielder for the Hurricanes, is entering his third season as a starter. He enters the 2001 campaign as a preseason All-American by Baseball America. In 2000, Rodriguez came on strong late as he was named to the Coral Gables Regional All-Tournament team for his efforts behind the plate and in the outfield during the Hurricanes three-game sweep for the Regional Championship. A 17th round selection by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays coming out of high school, Rodriguez was a freshman All-American in his first season with UM during the National Championship 1999 season. This past offseason he played with the Bourne Braves of the Cape Cod League.

What did you do during the offseason to prepare for the 2001 season?
The main thing I did was work on the areas that would make me a better player, individually, for the team and for the future. I lifted a lot of weights during the summer with my teammates in the Cape Cod League. When I got back to campus for the fall, I worked on getting my hamstring stronger so I can be ready for the year.

What did you do to ensure yourself the best chance of getting back to the College World Series?
What I thought about most was to make sure we, as a team, come out every game to play and be more consistent. We need to play better defense, pitch better and have more success behind the plate. Simply, we need to prepare ourselves we come to the field. Last season, we would like the defending national champions at times, then fall behind in some games right after. This year, our work ethic has been much better.

How did you perform in the fall?
I put a lot of hard work in. Our strength coach Mike Gibbons really pushed me. I think my attitude is much better.

How did it feel to earn preseason All-America?
I had a good year as a freshman in 1999 and was named an All-American than. So I know that it was honor to be named a preseason All-American by Baseball America a few weeks ago. I know that I worked hard in the offseason so hopefully that backs up the expectation on me.

What type of expectation have you put on yourself for the 2001 season?
As a player I set some pretty high goals for myself and for the team. I worked really hard to get myself stronger and prepare for the season.

What one change have you noticed in yourself, either on the field or off?
A lot of the changes were not just physical, but mental. I knew I had to change my attitude to be more mentally tough. It is a long season and I can’t let up at all.

How does it feel not to be the lead-off hitter, a position you held in 2000?
It’s a change. I hope it is a change for the better. Right now, we have Marcus Nettles batting lead-off. He is one of the fastest guys in baseball. My role is different this season. We need to get more guys in and I need to hit more RBI’s. I think we have a great line-up, one through nine.