Ivan Rodriguez News: Pro Sports Daily

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August 20

Dallas Morning News

"The biggest star in Arlington on Wednesday wasn't playing in a concert at Cowboys Stadium.He was holding court across the street at the ballpark, where he rose to stardom in his 20s.And like all great comebacks, Ivan Rodriguez proved he's still got it despite Texas blowing another lead in a 5-4 loss to Minnesota at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Rodriguez, who spent his first 12 seasons with the Rangers, went 3-for-4 with an RBI and also scored a run."It was nice," said Rodriguez, who started for the Rangers for the first time since 2002. "The ovation from the fans, I appreciated that a lot. At the same time, it was a tough game. We got the lead early, and they were able to come back. ..."

Oswalt's endorsement aside, more dealing is not a given

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August 19

Houston Chronicle

columnist Jerome Solomon

"So long, Pudge. We hardly knew ya. Ivan Rodriguez, the greatest catcher to ever play in an Astros uniform, barely got it dirty, starting only 83 games before being dealt up I-45 to the contending Rangers on Tuesday. (Yeah, you read that right — contending Rangers. Had to override the auto-correct function in my word processing program to get that into the paper.) Rodriguez ends his stay with Houston having opened behind the plate in one fewer game than Rick "the Vampire" Wilkins (he couldn't hit when the sun was up) did in his not-so-illustrious career here. Prior to a 6-2 loss to the Marlins, some players seemed to be fretting in the clubhouse that the Rodriguez trade is a sign that ..."

Ex-Tiger Pudge Rodriguez traded to Texas

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August 19

Detroit Free Press

"Former Detroit Tiger Pudge Rodriguez is coming home to the Texas Rangers. The 14-time All-Star catcher who started his career with the Rangers at age 19 was acquired in a trade today with the Houston Astros for two minor leaguers. Rangers President Nolan Ryan confirmed the acquisition. Rodriguez was one of the most popular players in Rangers history, winning 10 of his 13 Gold Gloves with the team. He helped lead the franchise's only three playoff teams in 1996, 1998 and 1999, when he won the AL MVP award. The 37-year-old catcher signed a one-year, $1.5-million contract with the Astros in March and went on to hit .251 with eight home runs and 34 RBIs in 93 games. He played the previous five ..."

Rangers trade for catcher Pudge Rodriguez

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August 18

Dallas Morning News

"The best catcher in the history of the franchise and one of the top in the history of the game is coming back to the Rangers. Sources have confirmed that the Rangers completed a trade Tuesday morning with Houston for Ivan Rodriguez for two minor-leaguers. Rodriguez was the catcher the last time the Rangers went to the playoffs in 1999. They enter play today with a one-game lead in the wild-card standings. They also have some uncertainty behind the plate. A source said Rodriguez will serve as the backup for Taylor Teagarden, who has assumed the starting duties with Jarrod Saltalamacchia on the disabled list. Saltalamacchia was placed on the DL on Saturday with arm fatigue and was told today ..."

Pudge Rodriguez is still close to Tigers

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June 27

Detroit News

"Pudge Rodriguez forever will be revered by Tigers fans, many of whom still credit him with helping turn around a bumbling, 119-loss team in 2003 to a World Series participant in 2006, his third season in Detroit. Rodriguez will be considered one of the best free-agent acquisitions in Tigers history, coming to the Motor City at a time when Detroit wasn't exactly on the top of the free-agent destination list. He was traded to the Yankees from the Tigers in the middle of last season, and though he faced his old team as a Yankee last year, Rodriguez still takes pleasure in seeing all his old Tigers teammates -- as the new Astros catcher did Friday night. He was sharing hugs and joking around ..."

A mixed bag for Pudge

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June 18

Houston Chronicle

"With the most Gold Gloves ever collected by a catcher, Ivan Rodriguez was once one of the most feared men to run against. Yet the 13-time Gold Glove winner committed two costly throwing errors against his former Texas team Wednesday night, marring the game in which he broke Carlton Fisk's all-time record for appearances behind the plate. On the night Rodriguez caught his 2,227th game, the Rangers stole three bases, saw those three runners score, and had David Murphy hit a walk-off single in the 10th inning to beat the Astros 5-4. "That happens," Rodriguez said after going 1-for-5 with the two errors. "We tried to go there and do our best. I got a base hit. I didn't go oh-for, so it wasn't ..."

Ozzie Guillen prefers Pudge Rodriguez over Pudge Fisk

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June 18

Chicago Tribune

"Manager Ozzie Guillen was a teammate of Carlton "Pudge" Fisk but says Houston catcher Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez is better than the Sox's Hall of Famer. "I think the young Pudge can do more stuff than Fisk," Guillen said Wednesday, one day after Rodriguez tied Fisk for most career games caught by a catcher (2,226). "I played with [Fisk] for 10 years, and I've only known Rodriguez for a few, playing against each other and coaching him. But [Rodriguez] broke the record for a reason. "I'm having trouble with some genius in baseball when I say Pudge Rodriguez is the best player to ever come from Puerto Rico. When you catch every day, you have to be strong mentally and physically." The "genius" he ..."

Pudge sets record; Texas Rangers win in 10

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June 18

Dallas Morning News

"David Murphy may have inadvertently played himself into the role of hero Wednesday night. The Rangers outfielder couldn't get a bunt down in the sixth inning, which was a key in the team's failed bid to add an insurance run while protecting a one-run lead against the Houston Astros. Murphy atoned for that in the 10th inning when he singled home Ian Kinsler with one out, lifting the Rangers to a 5-4 victory over the team Murphy grew up rooting for while living outside Houston. Murphy's game-winner, which was his only hit of the night, closed the book on a night in which one record was set, another was tied and the Rangers were able to maintain their two-game lead over the Los Angeles ..."

Catching on and on

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June 16

Houston Chronicle

"The exact details are a bit sketchy, but Ivan Rodriguez remembers driving in a pair of runs and collecting one hit in his major league debut. That much is etched in his mind as he recalls the first of the 2,225 games he has caught in the majors. "It's been a long time," concedes Rodriguez, who is likely to tie the all-time games caught record tonight in Arlington and break it Wednesday in front of the fans who saw him play the first 12 seasons of his career. "We won," Rodriguez recalled. "Nolan Ryan was the pitcher. I got a hit and two RBIs. I can't believe you expect me to remember." Actually, Kevin Brown started Rodriguez's debut on June 20, 1991 at Comiskey Park. Ryan, the Hall of Famer ..."

Pudge Rodriguez to set catching record where it all began

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June 16

Dallas Morning News

"The once thick, black hair is thinning on top. Gray flecks dot Pudge Rodriguez's day-old growth. The baby-faced Rodriguez with the rocket-launching right arm we remember arriving as a 19-year-old rookie in Arlington is long gone. These days, Pudge is a 37-year-old father who's more concerned about his son attending college and his two daughters maturing into young ladies than he is fast cars like the Porsche he once nearly drove into his laundry room. Still, Pudge has accomplished virtually everything a ballplayer can. He's won a World Series and an MVP award. He's earned 13 Gold Gloves - only Brooks Robinson has more - and played in 14 All-Star Games. He hit his 300th homer, fifth ..."

Pudge one game from record

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June 15

Houston Chronicle

"One behind Fisk With his 2,225th game caught on Sunday, the Astros' Ivan Rodriguez tied former All-Star Bob Boone for second place on the all-time list, just one game behind Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk's record of 2,226. "I'd just say congratulations (to Rodriguez)," Boone told the Chronicle via phone. "I'm one of two people who know how he feels. I'm looking forward to him playing two more games. "He's not done; he's got a chance to extend it. I'm a Pudge supporter. The difference from me going from second to third is nothing." Said Rodriguez: "I appreciate his thoughts. I respect him and Carlton Fisk and all those players that played so long." According to the plans manager Cecil Cooper ..."

'Pudge' leaves with sprained knee

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May 26

Houston Chronicle

"Although he exited after the first inning with a sprained left knee this afternoon, Ivan Rodriguez expects to be in the starting lineup Tuesday for the second game of the three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds. Rodriguez felt a pop when Adam Rosales scored on Aaron Harang's RBI single to center, giving the Reds a 5-2 lead in the first inning of the 8-5 victory over the Astros at Great American Ball Park. "I just felt a little pop in my left knee," Rodriguez said. "I could have continued playing, but (Cecil) Cooper didn't want to take any chances. But I'm good. I got some treatment already. For sure I'll be playing tomorrow.""

Kudos to Rodriguez

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March 27

Houston Chronicle

"Heading into the Astros' final seven games in Florida, manager Cecil Cooper is pleased with the way the team is playing. "We're playing much, much better," he said. "I think it means a lot to have Pudge (Ivan Rodriguez) around. I'm not going to only say Pudge. I'll say (Miguel) Tejada. They're the ones that seem to be the rallying cry around. "They're always yelling and getting us going. Pudge seems to have given us a lot more confidence. We're pitching the ball better, and for the most part, we're catching it better. That makes for a pretty good game when you're doing that." As for the mound, Cooper hopes his starters raise their pitch counts to 80-85 over the next week. Offense picking ..."

Astros beat Nationals 1-0 in Pudge's first game

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March 23

Houston Chronicle

"Darin Erstad hit a walk-off fielder's choice grounder to second base in the ninth, driving in Michael Bourn to beat the Washington Nationals 1-0 on Sunday afternoon at Osceola County Stadium. Geoff Geary pitched a scoreless ninth to complete the six-pitcher shutout and extend the Astros' winning streak to three. Brian Moehler pitched three innings before exiting with a right shoulder contusion. Jeff Fulchino, Jose Valverde, Doug Brocail and Wesley Wright each added a scoreless inning for the Astros. "Moehler did a terrific job until he had to leave," Cecil Cooper said. "We just did that as a precaution. I just saw him and he should be fine. We're going to just monitor it from day to day ..."

It's official: Catcher 'Pudge' completes deal with Astros

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March 20

Houston Chronicle

"Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez successfully passed his physical, finalizing his one-year deal with the Astros and ending what had been a frustrating winter for the 14-time All-Star and 13-time Gold Glove winner. "It's taken a while, to be honest with you," he said. "It wasn't an easy off-season for me. But I'm glad that I'm back into a major league organization. The Houston Astros have been an organization that they have a lot of good players, and (are) a very good organization. For the players, the area is very nice." Rodriguez, who wore No. 7 for most of his career with the Texas Rangers, Florida Marlins and Detroit Tigers, will wear No. 12 in the regular season. A legend in Arlington, he ..."

'Pudge' arrives at Astros spring training

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March 20

Houston Chronicle

"Catcher Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez showed up at Osceola County Stadium late Thursday morning before heading to an Orlando area hospital to begin the physical he must pass before his one-year, $1.5 million contract is official with the Astros. "I'm here to try to finish a physical and then be cleared to play," he said. Rodriguez took the first part of his physical before returning to Osceola County Stadium on Thursday afternoon. He'll take the second part of the physical Friday with Astros physician Dr. Tom Mehlhoff, who was already scheduled to be in town Friday. Depending on when the results of Rodriguez's blood work are back, the Astros probably won't announce the signing until late Friday ..."

'Pudge' arrives at Astros spring training

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March 19

Houston Chronicle

"Catcher Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez showed up at Osceola County Stadium late Thursday morning before heading to an Orlando area hospital to begin the physical he must pass before his one-year, $1.5 million contract is official with the Astros. "I'm here to try to finish a physical and then be cleared to play," he said. Rodriguez took the first part of his physical before returning to Osceola County Stadium on Thursday afternoon. He'll take the second part of the physical Friday with Astros physician Dr. Tom Mehlhoff, who was already scheduled to be in town Friday. Depending on when the results of Rodriguez's blood work are back, the Astros probably won't announce the signing until late Friday ..."

Rodriguez deal creates quite a buzz

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March 18

Houston Chronicle

"Cecil Cooper didn't want to discuss Ivan Rodriguez on Tuesday because the veteran catcher's deal is contingent on his passing a physical and therefore not official. But the Astros manager spent some time Monday morning asking Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland about the 13-time Gold Glove winner. "I had a great conversation about (Rodriguez) with Cecil Cooper," said Leyland, who managed Rodriguez with the Tigers from 2004 through part of the 2008 season. "He asked me all about him." Reaction to Rodriguez's signing ran the gamut before the Astros tied the Tigers at 1 on Tuesday at Joker Marchant Stadium. Some players rejoiced. Others such as Carlos Lee were hesitant to praise the deal out ..."

Don't expect Hall of Fame production

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March 17

Houston Chronicle

columnist Richard Justice

"Just a couple of days ago, Ed Wade said it was too soon for the Astros to sign Pudge Rodriguez because he wanted to give his young catchers every opportunity to show they deserve to be in the big leagues. So what do you think happened over the weekend that suddenly made the signing of an almost-washed-up 37-year-old catcher a front-burner issue? I'll push the pause button while you give that one some thought. OK, I'll give you two possibilities: a) Scott Boras realized opening day was three weeks away and abruptly dropped his asking price from $3.5 million to $1.5 million. b) Drayton McLane woke up Monday morning with his hair on fire and decided he had to do something. c) Both of the ..."

No place for Pudge

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February 17

New York Post

"Despite what Pudge Rodriguez keeps saying, the Mets aren't interested in the veteran catcher and aren't talking to him about a contract. A high-ranking team source said there has been no discussion about Rodriguez in recent weeks, and the Mets suspect he is simply using their name to try to drum up interest. "We've got our three catchers, and we like them," the source said, referring to Brian Schneider, Ramon Castro and Robinson Cancel. Rodriguez, 37, has been quoted nationally twice in the past week as saying the Mets were attempting to sign him."

Marlins considering bringing back Pudge Rodriguez

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February 7

Detroit Free Press

"One of Ivan Rodriguez's former teams may be considering signing the 37-year-old catcher. Relax, Gerald Laird and Matt Treanor fans. It's not the Tigers. According to the South Florida Sun Sentinel, the Marlins are pondering a Pudge return. But, it'll have to be for around $1 million. In 2003, Pudge was the backstop for the World Series champion Marlins. The next season, he signed with Detroit. The move would probably bump another ex-Tiger, Mike Rabelo, off the major league roster. He was Pudge's backup in 2007."

Jason Varitek available, but there's a catch

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November 7

Detroit Free Press

"The question is inevitable, given the circumstances. The Tigers have moved Brandon Inge to third base but are not convinced Dusty Ryan is ready to become their No. 1 catcher in 2009. They may not have the spare pitching it will take to lure Gerald Laird from the Texas Rangers. And they have yet to show interest in signing Jason Varitek as a free agent. Would they consider bringing back Pudge Rodriguez to be their starting catcher for one more year? Not likely. When asked about that possibility during the general managers' meetings this week, Tigers president and general manager Dave Dombrowski said, "I'd have to say he'd be more of a longshot." Rodriguez, who will turn 37 this month, is a ..."

Jorge Posada: Joba should stay in bullpen and Pudge Rodriguez has to go

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September 15

New York Daily News

"In a taping of "CenterStage" for YES on Monday, Jorge Posada laid out some strong expectations for himself and the Yankees for next season. But his most blunt and interesting answer came in a word-association segment near the end of the show, when interviewer Michael Kay asked the injured catcher about pitcher Joba Chamberlain. "Leave him in the bullpen," Posada replied flatly, before being asked to expand on his answer. "If you start him and he pitches 200 innings, he won't be able to (last). "You're going to lose him. He's going to get hurt . . . I don't see him as a starter. I'd leave him in the bullpen." Chamberlain opened this season in the Yankees' bullpen in an effort to limit his ..."

Pudge, Hunter suspended 2 games for fight

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September 10

Newsday

"Yankees catcher Ivan Rodriguez and the Los Angeles Angels Torii Hunter were suspended two games each Wednesday for their roles in a bench-clearing scuffle. Rodriguez took an openhanded swing at Hunter after getting shoved in the back by the Angels star, and both players were ejected Monday night. Bob Watson, baseball's vice president in charge of discipline, cited them for "violent and inappropriate actions." Both were fined, as was Angels pitcher John Lackey. Los Angeles went on to win 12-1. Hunter, hung up between third and home on Mike Napoli's sixth-inning grounder, came in standing up and bumped into Rodriguez, who tagged him out. Rodriguez appeared to nudge Hunter with his left elbow ..."

Pudge Expected To Be Suspended For Scuffle

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September 10

New York Post

"The Yankees expect Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez to get suspended for his role in Monday night's altercation with Angels outfielder Torii Hunter. "We get guys suspended for less," GM Brian Cashman said yesterday. "This time there were swings." Rodriguez and Hunter were ejected in the sixth inning of the 12-1 Angels victory. Hunter bumped Rodriguez on a tag play at the plate, Rodriguez responded by using his mitt to get Hunter off him. Hunter then pushed Rodriguez from behind and Rodriguez missed Hunter with an open-handed slap. Calls yesterday to Bob Watson, MLB's top cop, weren't immediately returned. The league office is expected to discipline Hunter and Rodriguez today. Considering MLB hasn't ..."

Pudge receives standing ovation from Tigers fans

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September 1

Detroit News

"Pudge Rodriguez said before Monday's game he hoped to receive a warm ovation from Tigers fans. They obliged in his first at-bat. Rodriguez, batting ninth, led off the second inning and received a standing ovation in his first plate appearance at Comerica Park since being traded to the Yankees on July 30. The ovation lasted long enough for Rodriguez to step out of the box, tip his helmet and wave to the crowd. The ovation may have lasted longer than the at-bat. Rodriguez struck out swinging on three straight pitches by Tigers starter Justin Verlander. Rodriguez said before the game he would treat it like any other, but also said facing his old team would be emotional. "It's nice to come ..."

Yankees' Pudge hurts knee in collision at plate

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August 7

Newsday

"The Yankees took yet another injury hit last night when Ivan Rodriguez went down with a bruised right knee that leaves his status as day-to-day. Rodriguez, who was acquired last week from the Tigers, was on the receiving end of a collision at the plate with Rangers leftfielder David Murphy in the bottom of the second inning. Rodriguez caught the throw from rightfielder Bobby Abreu and held on despite the force of Murphy bowling into him. But Rodriguez remained on the ground and had to leave the game. He has a bruised right knee and is considered day-to-day. Murphy also left the game with a left knee sprain."

Homer Cookin' For I-Rod

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August 4

New York Post

"In two of the three games Pudge Rodriguez has caught with his new team, the Yankees pitching has been terrible - including yesterday. But Rodriguez's bat helped offset the damage in the Yanks' 14-9 victory over the Angels. The former Tiger delivered a monster day at the plate, smacking his first Yankees home run to bust up John Lackey's shutout. He added a walk and a single, the latter cueing the game-winning rally in the Yankees' comeback win in The Bronx. "He's such a great offensive threat," Johnny Damon said of Rodriguez, "and he can still catch pretty well too." Rodriguez is a 13-time Gold Glove winner, but his offense was what impressed as the Yanks gained a split of the four-game ..."

Pudge is Tigers' Hall of Famer

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August 3

Detroit Free Press

columnist Drew Sharp

"The Tigers should retire Ivan Rodriguez's No. 7 once his career ends with a spot in Cooperstown and baseball's Hall of Fame. It's unlikely that Rodriguez will insist upon the Olde English D on his ceremonial Hall of Fame plaque. He'll probably pick Texas because it was the Rangers who gave him his start. But that shouldn't have any bearing on the Tigers' determination of Pudge's importance in the resurrection of baseball in this city. It all started with him when he signed with the Tigers after they posted the worst season ever in American League history with 119 losses in 2003. Let's not confuse facts here. Pudge became a Tiger because they offered him far more than anybody else was ..."

Pudge No Factor In Dud Debut

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August 1

New York Post

"Yankees GM Brian Cashman made it clear that the addition of Ivan Rodriguez is for the short term and that Jorge Posada will be the team's catcher next season after he recovers from shoulder surgery. "This is all about 2008," Cashman said of the trade of Kyle Farnsworth to the Tigers for Rodriguez. "He's a free agent at the end of the year. We have a catcher signed." After Rodriguez's debut in last night's 12-6 loss to the Angels in the opener of a four-game series at Yankee Stadium, however, it would be understandable if the Yankees didn't even want him back for the rest of this year. The 36-year-old was a mess at the plate and ineffective behind it. He struck out, grounded into a double ..."

Pudge led baseball renaissance in Detroit

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July 30

Detroit News

"Mike Ilitch was so intent on signing Pudge Rodriguez that he sat side-by-side with a Hall of Fame-bound catcher at Beaumont Hospital on a cold February day in 2004. The Tigers owner made a vigil to Rodriguez, waiting for a man he desperately needed to complete a physical examination that might clear the way for the most important free-agent acquisition in Tigers history. In the end, Ilitch and the Tigers won. Twice. Rodriguez, who was traded Wednesday to the Yankees for reliever Kyle Farnsworth, signed a stunning contract with a then-miserable team. That signing became the foundation for baseball's renaissance in Detroit. The man called Pudge provided the Tigers that frosty February ..."

Tigers trade Pudge to Yankees for Farnsworth

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July 31

Detroit News

"The Tigers traded catcher Pudge Rodriguez to the New York Yankees for pitcher Kyle Farnsworth on Wednesday. Rodriguez, 36, is hitting .295 with five home runs and 32 RBI in 82 games this season. He is due to become a free agent at the end of the season. Farnsworth is a right-handed reliever who throws in the high-90s. He is 1-2 this season with a 3.65 earned-run average. He has been used strictly in relief by the Yankees, and has 11 holds in 45 appearances. He has 43 strikeouts in 44 1/3 innings. Rodriguez, a 13-time Gold Glove winner, signed with the Tigers as a free agent in February 2004. That first season in Detroit was his best with the Tigers; he had 19 home runs and 86 RBI and hit ..."

Yankees find their catcher, trade for Rodriguez

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July 30

ESPN.com

"The Yankees seem to have found a replacement for Jorge Posada. The Yankees have acquaired catcher Ivan Rodriguez from the Tigers. Detroit will get right-handed pitcher Kyle Farnsworth, who played with the Tigers previously in 2005. Posada, the five-time All-Star catcher, announced he would have season-ending surgery on his right shoulder on Monday. Posada has struggled with shoulder pain most of the season, weakening his throws and limiting his playing time behind the plate."

Pudge Rodriguez faces uncertain future

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July 28

Detroit Free Press

"For five seasons, the Tigers have relied on Pudge Rodriguez as their everyday catcher. He played an average of 132 games over his first four years here. He is on track to appear in 126 this season. He has not been on the disabled list since 2002. Even at 36, he remains one of the most dependable catchers in baseball. Yet he is facing an uncertain future. Rodriguez will be a free agent at the end of this season. He could also be traded next month if the Tigers fall out of the American League Central race. When he was asked Sunday about his approach to free agency -- and whether he would consider waiving his limited no-trade clause -- his response was the same. "I'm ready for anything," ..."

Marlins target Tigers' Pudge Rodriguez

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July 17

Detroit Free Press

"According to the Miami Herald the Florida Marlins have inquired about Tigers catcher Pudge Rodriguez. The Tigers have said that Rodriguez, an impending free agent, is not available. Rodriguez would be an upgrade for the Marlins over current starting catcher, light-hitting Matt Treanor. Rodriguez played with the Marlins in 2003 and helped the team win the World Series. Currently the Marlins are only one and a half games behind the Phillies in the National League East."

Pudge starts third straight game at catcher; Leyland: Inge 'isn't right, and I'm worried about that'

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June 19

Detroit Free Press

"Pudge Rodriguez caught for the third straight game Wednesday, even though manager Jim Leyland had planned as late as Tuesday for Brandon Inge to play. Leyland wanted to be cautious with Inge's pulled side muscle, which Inge acknowledged has bothered him since he suffered it in Seattle 2 1/2 weeks ago. Yet he has played often since then and has homered twice, including in his most recent game Sunday."(Inge) isn't right, and I'm worried about that," Leyland said. "Those things can be lasting and dangerous if you're not careful.""