Future Hall of Famer Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez continues to find it difficult to create interest on the free-agent market, but the New York Mets, San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers could be possible destinations for the 38-year-old catcher in 2010. (Getty Images)
Honors, awards and milestones have become commonplace for catcher Ivan Rodriguez, yet the 38-year-old future Hall of Famer finds himself struggling to generate interest on the free-agent market this offseason, considering his age and diminishing skills in the batter's box and behind the plate.
After being unsigned heading into Spring Training in 2009, Rodriguez caught the attention of teams with his solid performance for Puerto Rico during the 2009 World Baseball Classic, prompting Houston Astros general manager Ed Wade to offer the 14-time All-Star a one-year, $1.5 million deal.
Pudge capitalized on his opportunity in Houston by obtaining his 300th career homer off Chicago Cubs right-hander Rich Harden May 17 at Wrigley Field, and passing Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk for most games caught in MLB history June 17 at Arlington against his former team -- the Texas Rangers.
Overall, Rodriguez struggled during his brief tenure with the Astros, hitting .251 with eight homers and 34 RBI in 93 games, before being dealt to the Rangers on Aug. 18.
It was a feel-good story for Pudge to return to Texas -- the place in which he spent the first 12 seasons of his career. Still, he did little to spark the offense while serving as a backup to catcher Taylor Teagarden.
Does Pudge intend to return for a 20th season or elect to retire?
According to a source, Rodriguez isn't ready to call it a career just yet, especially since he wants an opportunity to reach 3,000 career hits. The 1999 AL MVP remains 289 hits shy of the milestone, and would likely have to play at least two or three more seasons in order to obtain his goal.
Pudge hits a relatively weak free-agent market for catchers this offseason, with San Francisco Giants catcher Bengie Molina headlining the list.
That being said, which teams could be interested in signing the 13-time Gold Glove Award winner?
Rangers general manager Jon Daniels told MLB.com Nov. 6 that he's open to the idea of re-signing Pudge, and could offer him arbitration despite the fact that Teagarden expects to be the team's starting catcher in 2010.
It's being rumored that the Giants, New York Mets and Kansas City Royals could also be interested in signing Rodriguez to a one-year deal.
The San Jose Mercury News reported in November that the Giants want to re-sign Molina, but have prepared themselves for his departure. The 35-year-old veteran catcher reportedly wants a two-year deal -- something the Giants don't want to offer.
With top prospect Buster Posey, the Giants' first-round pick (No. 5 overall) in the 2008 First-Year Player Draft, on the verge of earning the starting job on a full-time basis, San Francisco wants to find a short-term solution behind the plate to mentor the talented youngster.
Could that be Pudge?
In the past, the Giants have attempted to acquire Rodriguez, so it makes sense they could pursue him to be Posey's mentor. Also, the Mets are believed to be targeting Molina as their starting catcher in 2010.
If Molina departs for the Big Apple, it's conceivable that Pudge may end up in San Francisco.
However, if Molina and the Giants agree on a contract, it opens up the possibility that Rodriguez will head to the Mets.
At the same time, don't rule out a return to the Rangers.
Comments
Any chance Pudge signs with Astros to mentor Jason Castro?
Sounds like a good idea Adam, but not going to happen. Brad Mills hired Jamie Quirk as the bullpen coach. He's the one who will mentor Castro. Quirk was a respectable catcher for 15 years and was part of the 1985 Kansas City Royals World Series team. Astros don't need Pudge; they will develop Towles and Quintero under Quirk's guidance until Castro is ready.
I love Pudge and he will always be a Tiger to me. The worst Trade Detroit ever made was getting rid of Pudge. I wish he the best of luck wherever he plays. He will be a great asset wherever he goes. I hope he stays in the American league. I will go to every game he plays here in Detroit. You are the greatest and I will always love you.
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