Pudge Finds a Job (or Houston, You Have a Catcher)

by Ian Casselberry on Mar 16, 2009 6:00 PM EDT in Detroit Tigers News

The wait is finally over for Pudge Rodriguez. In the midst of an impressive performance in the World Baseball Classic (9-for-15, two homers, and six RBIs) and teams beginning to shape their final rosters with three weeks left in Spring Training, the catcher in search of a job has found one.

Though teams like the Giants and Twins have expressed recent interest, the true market for Pudge seemed to exist among three suitors: the Mets, Marlins, and Astros. And with the Mets having to make a move to clear a spot for Pudge, it was ultimately a two-team race. Today, the Astros apparently wanted to win this sweepstakes.

Pudge reached agreement on a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Astros this afternoon. The deal includes an additional $1.5 million available in incentive clauses. According to the Houston Chronicle, Pudge is expected to step in as the Astros' starting catcher, so maybe he'll get the playing time he's been seeking.

You know, maybe I'm a bit wistful after watching Pudge play in the WBC, and seeing the Tigers on TV for the first time today, but I think I'm going to miss the guy a little bit. I didn't miss Pudge when he was traded last season, and I certainly think the Tigers upgraded with Gerald Laird and Matt Treanor. I guess it still feels a bit weird to me after he was a part of the Tigers for so long.

● Earlier today, Astros beat writer Jose de Jesus Ortiz thought this was a move the team had to make.

● Through illustration, Samara imagines how a reunion between former Tigers teammates will go before tonight's WBC game between Puerto Rico and Venezuela.

● Crawfish Boxes looks at the contributions Pudge should make to the Astros, based on various projection systems.

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pudge

I will miss his intensity, he is a leader in all aspects…I always felt his pay was way too high for his offensive numbers…but he was a great leader and their is almost no one better then him running a pitching staff…good luck pudge!

by PBURGTIGER on Mar 16, 2009 6:33 PM EDT reply actions

Trend SETTER!

When no one else would even give the D a courtesy visit, Pudge committed to playing for them. It really was the beginning of what happened two years ago. Without him making the decision to come, I am not real sure where they would be (or would have been). I will miss Pudgey…….although, he was pretty trim after the roid scene collapsed.

Here’s to a good season for him.

by Zappatista on Mar 16, 2009 8:58 PM EDT reply actions

Pudge

I missed him the minute the trade was made. What passion he brought to the Tigers. I won’t ever forget all the excitement that came when Detroit signed Pudge…a real star!

by densogirl on Mar 16, 2009 10:50 PM EDT reply actions

I think this is a real good deal

This is his best chance as regular playing time, everyone wants to see him play, not be a backup. I was suprised (even in this economy) that it was only $1.5 + incentives.

by oneseasoncom on Mar 17, 2009 1:48 AM EDT reply actions