SAN FRANCISCO -- The Giants learned a lot about Dereck Rodriguez this year. Perhaps more importantly, Rodriguez learned a lot about himself.
Rodriguez ended the season as a National League Rookie of the Year Award candidate after beginning it as a non-roster invitee to Spring Training whom the Giants had signed as a six-year Minor League free agent.
"He was available to anybody," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said, almost in disbelief.
However, Rodriguez's effectiveness tailed off during the season's waning weeks -- including Saturday, when the Dodgers defeated the Giants, 10-6, and clinched a postseason berth.