Quick study? No question.
In the decade he was in his prime, everything about Ivan Rodriguez was quick.
Quick feet. Quick hands. Quick bat. Quick to the big leagues.
Rodriguez, who was nicknamed "Pudge" shortly after signing with the Rangers, was 19 when he reached the Major Leagues. He hit the ground running.
Rodriguez joined a franchise that had played for 30 seasons split between in two cities without once advancing into the postseason. He would spend 13 seasons in Texas and lead the Rangers to three American League West titles.
This was no coincidence.