Guilder Rodriguez announces his retirement

Frisco infielder Guilder Rodriguez announced his retirement yesterday, and left the game after a seventh inning single, receiving a standing ovation from a sellout crowd at Dr. Pepper Ballpark.

The 32 year old switch hitter from Venezuela started his career in the Brewers organization, and when he became a free agent after the 2008 season, he signed with the Texas Rangers.  Since 2009, he's been a regular part of the Rangers' upper minor league rosters, primarily playing for Frisco.  Over the course of his minor league career, Rodriguez played every position except catcher, even pitching six different times for Frisco over the past four years.

Rodriguez has been credited with being one of the really good teammates in the game, and his mentorship has been credited with helping players like Rougned Odor and Luis Sardinas in their ascension to the major leagues.  Rodriguez was called up to the majors last September, and on September 22, against the Astros, picked up a pair of hits in what was one of the most memorable and heart-warming moments of the season.

I suspect that the Rangers will look to keep Rodriguez in the organization in some sort of coaching capacity.  In the meantime, last night was a great sendoff for a baseball lifer who is ending his playing days.