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The Indians selected Nellie Rodriguez in the 15th round of the 2012 draft out of George Washington HS in New York City. That high school should ring a bell, for in 1991 the Indians drafted another young hitter from Washington HS that you might remember.
Rodriguez spent most of his time as a catcher in high school, but moved to first base full-time after turning pro. The Indians promoted him fairly aggressively through the low minors, sending him to Lake County to start the 2013 season. He struggled there, and ended the campaign in Mahoning Valley, but his second go-round in Eastlake was met with success (.268/.349/.482). He moved to Lynchburg in 2015, and after blasting 17 home runs in 460 plate appearances, ended the year in Akron. He struggled against AA pitching (.118/.200/.269), though.
Rodriguez is a big man, and he can hit a baseball as far as anyone in the organization. But with that impressive power comes trade-offs, notably a bevy of strikeouts that could indicate trouble at higher levels. He's an above-average defender at first base, but it's going to be his power/hit tools that could make or break his major-league chances. His swing, at least at the beginning of last season, had some holes in it, according to Baseball Prospectus, though, again, he didn't have any problems with the Carolina League.
Rodriguez still has some time on his side, though, as he'll start the 2016 campaign in Akron at the relatively young age of 21.
WHO SHOULD BE THE NO. 15 PROSPECT FOR 2016?
(ages listed are for 2016 season)
Shawn Armstrong, RHP (Age 25)
2015 (AAA): 49.2 IP, 2.36 ERA, 1.63 FIP, 38.1%, 12.4%
Dominated Triple-A all season long and pitched well enough to earn an August call-up. Threw 8.0 innings on the Indians and should be a factor in the bullpen this year.
Shawn Morimando, SP (Age 23)
2015 (AA): 158.2 IP, 3.18 ERA, 3.64 ERA, 19.5 K%, 9.9 BB%
Has been a dependable starter his entire professional career, and young for his league at each stop. Still waiting for that big breakout season. Added to the 40-man roster this winter.
Mike Papi, OF (Age 23)
2015 (A+): 505 PA, 4 HR, 6 SB, .236/.362/.356, 117 wRC+
Supplemental pick of the 2014 draft who showed a great approach at the plate after a slow start in 2015.
James Ramsey, OF (Age 26)
2015 (AAA): 503 PA, 12 HR, 3 SB, .243/.327/.382, 107 wRC+
Once a promising future outfield for the Indians (or at least a trade piece), but may be a dreaded "AAAA" player as he has struggled to make it out of Triple-A. Potential fourth outfielder who could debut as soon as 2016.
Erik Gonzalez, SS (Age 24)
2015 (AAA/AA): 588 PA, 9 HR, 18 SB, .255/.292/.373, wRC+ 70/106
Can do a lot of things on both offense and defense, and as a result may be a perfect fit for a utility role. Already on the 40-man roster.