For some reason I just can't shake my J-Rod fixation.  Earlier this year, I wrote a diary arguing for John Rodriguez to get a shot as our full-time left fielder.  Obviously that didn't happen - and I'm glad, given how well Young Duncan has performed.  So has J-Rod lost his best chance to stick around for a while in The Show?

Maybe not.  I think he might be on his way to becoming a great pinch-hitter, in the mold of Lenny Harris and Manny Mota.  

A few folks noted J-Rod's good pinch-hitting qualities in last night's game thread, after he doubled pinch-hitting for Suppan in the 8th inning. And twice in one week earlier this month, J-Rod pinch-hit in the ninth with the Cardinals down a run and facing a tough closer (Washington's Chad Cordero and Houston's Brad Lidge).  Both times, he hit solid singles after getting into 2-strike counts, setting the table for a later batter to get the go-ahead/game-winning hit (P-Wilson's homer in Washington, which would've been the game-winner had Izzy not later imploded, and Albert's broken-bat double against Lidge). LaRussa seems to like J-Rod in this role, and so far he's flourished in it. He has a great approach at the plate, and responds well to the pressure of hitting against a tough pitcher after coming off the bench cold.

Great pinch hitters like Mota, Harris, and Smokey Burgess hung around the big leagues for a long time (15+ years) b/c of their pinch-hitting ability.  Maybe our favorite Bronx Redbird can do the same.... it's not the same as starting, but it's also not a bad way to make a living and stay in the majors.

For a very thorough overview of the history of pinch-hitting (and some thoughts on its future), see this piece that Steve Treder wrote for the Hardball Times back in February.