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| MLB.com reports that the Rangers are strongly considering re-signing Ivan Rodriguez as a free agent this offseason. |
Our View: Jarrod Saltalamacchia will be coming off of shoulder surgery and Taylor Teagarden hasn't established himself as an everyday big league player, so the Rangers will need someone to fill in the gaps behind the plate. Pudge is a fan favorite and they can likely get him on the cheap. He'll split time with one of the two aforementioned players, and it's a signing that makes sense for both parties involved.
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| MLB.com is reporting that the Rangers plan to use Ivan Rodriguez in the DH role on occasion. Rodriguez is likely to serve as the DH against lefties down the stretch, especially when Jarrod Saltalamacchia returns from injury. |
Our View: The team wants young guns Taylor Teagarden and Salty to get most of the time behind the plate, but Pudge should be getting in the lineup a few times a week for the rest of the season. It doesn't look like he will be an everyday guy anymore this season, but he has vowed to do whatever he can to help the team.
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| Pudge Rodriguez knocked in the second and third runs of his second stint in Texas, as the Rangers won 4-0 in Tampa. |
Our View: Pudge hasn't looked his age behind the plate in the second half this season (he's batting over .290 since the All-Star break), and holds solid value in deeper mixed and AL-only formats.
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| Updating a previous report, MLB.com's Noah Coslov is reporting on his Twitter page that the Astros and Rangers have agreed to a deal that will send Ivan Rodriguez to Texas in exchange for Double-A infielder Jose Vallejo and Single-A right-hander Matt Nevarez. |
Our View: Pudge is expected to backup Taylor Teagarden in Texas, and he should provide some nice veteran leadership in the clubhouse in Arlington. His fantasy value is awfully slim since he will serve primarily as the backup, so anyone who owns him should look for another option.
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| The Fort Worth Star-Telegram is reporting that the Rangers are close to finalizing a trade with the Astros that would send Ivan Rodriguez to the Texas Rangers. |
Our View: Pudge is at the back end of his career, but he could provide some production for the Rangers while also serving as a mentor for young catchers Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Taylor Teagarden. Pudge was also the Rangers' catcher the last time they made the playoffs in 1999, so the team will be hoping he can help get them back this season.
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| Ivan Rodriguez led the way for the Astros' offense on Friday as they beat the Dodgers 8-1. Pudge went 4-for-5 with a home run, two runs scored, and two RBI in the win. |
Our View: Pudge is not the player he once was, and he is still only hitting .256 this season. He is not a strong fantasy play, but he is a possibility in NL-only leagues for those suffering from injuries at the catcher position.
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| Ivan Rodriguez had his first three hit game since May 29 on Tuesday, but it wasn't enough as the Astros lost 6-3 to the Pirates at Minute Made Park. |
Our View: Pudge started out hot for the Astros this year, but has tailed off considerably as the season has progressed, and is now in the bottom tier of National League catchers. He only has value in deeper mixed or NL-only leagues.
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| Ivan Rodriguez went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles in tonight's 4-3 loss to the Royals at Minute Maid Park. |
Our View: I-Rod has five hits over his last four games, but registered no RBI over his last three.
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| Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle reports that Ivan Rodriguez is batting just .193 with only two extra base hits since May 30. |
Our View: At age 38, Pudge's fantasy value is dwindling as he becomes less consistent. He's still a decent option in deeper mixed leagues or NL only leagues, but he has hit only three home runs since May 1 and has not batted for an exceptional average all season. You may want to start exploring other options if you are a Pudge owner.
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| The AP reports that Ivan Rodriguez has now caught more games than any player in major league history at 2,227. He passes the previous mark set by Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk. Pudge claims he still feels the same way as he did at 19. |
Our View: If Gold Gloves were a fantasy category, Pudge would have had one of the most incredible fantasy careers ever. He has won MVPs and a World Series and been to double-digit all-star games. He's now holds an extraordinary record, but due to his link to steroids, there may be some barriers to break down prior to getting into the Hall of Fame.
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| Ivan Rodriguez tied the major league record for most games caught in major league history on Tuesday night, and did it against the team he broke into the big leagues with, the Texas Rangers. |
Our View: Fittingly, Pudge also homered in the game. He is certainly the best catcher of his generation and easily one of the best of all time. He is even a solid fantasy option in 2009, with six home runs and 27 RBIs.
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| As expected Ivan Rodriguez returned to the lineup on Tuesday, according to MLBlogs.com. |
Our View: He sprained his knee in Monday's game, but the injury was very minor. He appears to be good to go now.
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| Ivan Rodriguez suffered a sprained left knee during battle with the Reds Monday, but he expects to return to the lineup for Tuesday's game, according to the Houston Chronicle. He said, "I just felt a little pop in my left knee. I could have continued playing, but Cecil Cooper did not want to take any chances. But I am good. I got some treatment already. For sure I will be playing tomorrow."
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Our View: This is encouraging news, but the club is yet to give I-Rod the green light to play tonight. Humberto Quintero would start behind the plate if Rodriguez is held out.
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| Updating a previous note, MLB.com reports that Ivan Rodriguez is day to day with a sprained left knee. The catcher said he will be able to play on Tuesday. |
Our View: A sprained knee sounds like something that might affect a catcher more so than any position aside from pitcher. If you have a second option, it's probably better to use it on Tuesday.
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| Ivan Rodriguez exited Monday's battle at Cincinnati in the second innning with left knee irritation, according to the Associated Press. |
Our View: Humberto Quintero replaced the veteran catcher behind the plate. I-Rod is considered day-to-day.
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| Ivan Rodriguez hit his 300th home run in Sunday's 6-5 win over the Cubs. He finished the game 1-for-3 with a walk, two RBI, and a run scored as he became the seventh catcher ever to reach the milestone. |
Our View: Congratulations to Pudge on the achievement. He has five home runs on the season and has nine hits in his last five games. He also has seven RBI during that stretch. This is probably as hot as he'll get all season.
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| Ivan Rodriguez was 4-for-4 with a triple, a home run, a walk, two RBI, and a run scored in Sunday's 12-5 win over the Padres. |
Our View: Pudge still strikes out far too much for our liking (22 whiffs to five walks) but he produces enough to be a solid No. 2 catcher. However, you probably don't want to be relying on him to anchor the position.
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| Ivan Rodriguez went 2-for-4 with an RBI in Saturday's 5-1 win at Atlanta. He hit a single and a double. |
Our View: I-Rod raised his season average to .250 and collected his ninth RBI. His double was his fourth of the season.
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| Ivan Rodriguez homered in the Astros' 3-2 win over the Brewers on Sunday. It was his only hit in four trips to the plate. |
Our View: Pudge went deep for the second time this season, but is having a rough go of it at the dish. He's only hitting .230 and has just four extra-base hits on the season. Retirement may not be too far off if he doesn't find his stroke.
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| Ivan Rodriguez was in the starting lineup for a day game against the Pirates on Thursday. He played all nine innings the night before, but claims he is still fresh, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: Clearly, the Astros do not have much confidence in their back ups. Pudge is not having a good start to the season through eight games. He is hitting .185/.214/.333. We do expect the numbers to come up, but the 37-year-old's potential remains limited.
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| Ivan Rodriguez went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 4-3 win over the Cardinals. That marks his second homer of the spring with Houston. |
Our View: The 37-year-old vet is worth drafting as a No. 2 fantasy catcher. His numbers should benefit from playing his home games at hitter-friendly Minute Maid Park.
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| Ivan Rodriguez went 2-for-3 with an RBI in Tuesday's 8-0 win over the Mets. He hit a single and a homer, his first of the spring with the Astros. |
Our View: The 37-year-old vet is still capable of solid production, like today, and he is worth targeting as a No. 2 fantasy catcher.
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| Ivan Rodriguez's one-year deal ($1.5MM) with the Astros is final after he passed his physical, according to the Associated Press. He said, "I am glad that I am back with a major league organization. The Astros have a lot of good players. This is a good deal for me and good for the team." |
Our View: The 37-year-old vet is coming off a disappointing season, but the Astros believe he can still be productive. He is worth a look as a No. 2 catcher for mixed leagues.
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| Ivan Rodriguez has agreed to a one-year deal with the Astros worth $1.5MM, according to ESPN. He could rake in an additional $1.5MM in incentives. |
Our View: I-Rod should beat out Humberto Quintero and J.R. Towles for the starting gig at catcher, and the veteran's production could benefit from playing his home games at hitter-friendly Minute Maid Park.
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| Ivan Rodriguez is reportedly in serious talks with the Astros, according to Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated. |
Our View: I-Rod hit two home runs with Puerto Rico in the WBC, while holding a .600 average (9-for-15). The Astros have Humberto Quintero and J.R. Towles, but are yet to decide on their starter at catcher for 2009, which could ultimately be Rodriguez.
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| The Giants have considered signing catcher Ivan Rodriguez, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Currently playing for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic, Rodriguez was reportedly happy when he received the news of the Giants' interest. |
Our View: The Giants are considering the 37-year-old former All-Star catcher for a corner infield role. Manager Bruce Bochy said first base is Travis Ishikawa's spot to lose, but he did not rule out that Rodriguez could play third should Pablo Sandoval continue to be unimpressive.
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| Ivan Rodriguez was 3-for-4 with two doubles, an RBI, and a run scored while catching for Puerto Rico in their 11-1 win over Team USA on Saturday. He is now hitting .600 in the WBC. |
Our View: There are few players who have more riding on their WBC performance than Pudge, as he is still looking for a team. He has made the most of his opportunity and at last check he was drawing mild interest from the Astros and Marlins.
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| Ivan Rodriguez, who has played well in the WBC so far, is beginning to draw interest from the Astros, according to CBSSports.com. Astros catchers are a combined 8-for-47 (.170) this spring. |
Our View: Pudge is allegedly working out at multiple positions for his current Puerto Rican team. The Astros make a lot of sense for him, except that they don't have much cash left over for him.
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| MLB.com reports that Ivan Rodriguez has been working out at first base to increase his options of landing with a team this year. |
Our View: Pudge has impressed in the WBC classic and this potential move to first could persuade more suitors to come calling, but as a back-up catcher or first baseman he won't command much fantasy value.
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| Ivan Rodriguez picked up his fifth RBI in the WBC as Puerto Rico beat Netherlands 5-0 on Wednesday. He was 1-for-3 with two strikeouts. |
Our View: That performance lowered his average to an impressive .545. However, he did not catch as Geovany Soto drew that assignment. Pudge is still trying to land a contract in the MLB.
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| According to Newsday the Mets are still interested in Ivan Rodriguez but can't make a move until they can unload current backup Ramon Castro. |
Our View: Pudge's value has increased after his performance in the WBC, but even if the Mets ditch Castro he'd still be the backup to Brian Schneider and would be a weak player in most fantasy leagues.
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| Ivan Rodriguez likes the Mets and would be willing to serve as a backup, according to the Associated Press. He said, "I think that is a great fit, that team, having me there. Working with a young pitching staff, that could be great for the team. Hopefully the Mets can do whatever they need to do to have a spot for me. That would be a great place to be. If it happens, I will be happy."
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Our View: Rodriguez's agent has been talking to the Marlins and Astros, and him going to the Mets was considered a rumor. His fantasy value would be limited while backing up Brian Schneider in New York.
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| Ivan Rodriguez had a monster day for Puerto Rico Thursday going 3-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored. Rodriguez has yet to find a Major League home this off season. |
Our View: If Pudge continues to hit like this in the WBC he'll likely find someone to give him a deal. However, he'll most likely end up in a backup role.
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| Ivan Rodriguez initially was asking for too much money, but now he's asking for too much playing time to find a major league baseball job, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports. |
Our View: If Pudge doesn't back off from his demands soon, he might just have to retire. A backup role is much better than forced retirement. Just ask Barry Bonds.
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| Catcher Ivan Rodriguez struck out twice in three at-bats Tuesday as the Puerto Rico team lost to the Twins 3-2. |
Our View: Interest in the aging free-agent catcher is dwindling, but the Marlins, Astros, and Mets seem at least partially interested in giving him a shot at a backup role.
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| Newsday believes the Mets are still interested in Ivan Rodriguez. |
Our View: The club is concerned with Raul Castro's durability, and view Rodriguez as a better right-handed complement to starter Brian Schneider.
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| The Boston Globe reports the Marlins are the most likely candidate to sign free-agent catcher Ivan Rodriguez. |
Our View: The Houston Astros have also expressed interest, but general manager Drayton McLane recently stated he is content to considered every cheaper possibility within his organization.
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| The Astros have indicated that they are not interested in Ivan Rodriguez, according to MLB.com. GM Ed Wade said, "We are not signing Pudge. Put that one to rest. We have no expectation to sign Pudge."
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Our View: The Astros are set with Humberto Quintero and J.R. Towles slated for the top two spots, but may need to add another catcher if Toby Hall's sore shoulder does not improve.
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| The Mets are not interested in signing Ivan Rodriguez despite what he has been saying, according to the NY Post. |
Our View: The Mets currently have Brian Schneider, Ramon Castro and Robinson Cancel at catcher, and are not expected to make room for the 37-year-old vet.
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| The Associated Press reports that catcher Ivan Rodriguez might sign with the Marlins, Astros, or New York Mets. |
Our View: It's likely that no matter where the 37-year-old Rodriguez signs, he'll have to accept a backup job, or at least agree to a platooning arrangement. The one exception may be Houston, who may decide to pull back the reins on 24-year-old J.R. Towles.
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| Ivan Rodriguez is reportedly on the Astros' radar, according to Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated. El Nueva Dia reported that Houston offered him a deal for more than $2.5MM, but that has not been confirmed. |
Our View: If I-Rod did land in Houston, he would likely expect to start over Humberto Quintero. The Marlins also remain interested in Rodriguez.
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| The Marlins are interested in Ivan Rodriguez but at no more than a one-year, $1 million dollar deal, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. |
Our View: Pudge had a terrible year last year and has no real fantasy value at this point. His power numbers have all but gone away and if he signs with the Marlins will be nothing more than a part-time player.
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| The Daily Herald suggests that free-agent catcher Ivan Rodriguez might be a good fit for the White Sox. Apparently, GM Kenny Williams would like a veteran catcher to allow A.J. Pierzynski more rest. |
Our View: The duo would probably work well together in Chicago, but it would likely hurt both of their fantasy values as they would see far fewer at-bats. At this point, there does not appear to be many suitors for Pudge.
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| Marlins' team president David Samson stated that there is "zero chance" the club is going to sign Ivan Rodriguez, according to the Palm Beach Post. |
Our View: The Marlins are content with John Baker as their starting catcher for 2009. Rodriguez is hoping a solid showing in the upcoming World Baseball Classic will help boost interest among MLB clubs.
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| CBSSports.com reports that catcher Ivan Rodriguez has not garnered much interest, and he'll use the WBC to try and prove he can still play. "Whoever gets me, it's going to be a lot like hitting the lotto. I'm back in the shape I was in 2004. I'm at 195-200 (pounds), and I'm ready to go," said Rodriguez. |
Our View: Considering a team would have to pay Rodriguez instead of getting paid, so it's not exactly like hitting the lotto. Nonetheless, it's difficult to believe that he has absolutely nothing left to give, even in a back-up role. He's not - and never has been - a guy who provides a high OBP, but he's still capable of hitting with some pop, and he did steal 10 bases last season.
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| The Orioles discussed catcher Ivan Rodriguez with agent Scott Boras, according to the Baltimore Sun. |
Our View: It remains to be seen if I-Rod would accept a deal with the Orioles as he would have to ride the pine when Matt Wieters is deemed ready to step in.
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| The Marlins are discussing Ivan Rodriguez as a possibility for their backup catching vacancy, according to the Miami Herald. |
Our View: Pudge had a nice year in 2003 when he won the World Series with the Marlins, so perhaps he could rekindle of that magic if he made the return to Miami.
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| Ivan Rodriguez will represent his home of Puerto Rico in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, according to the Associated Press. |
Our View: Pudge is all about his homeland this year, as he's also playing there in winter ball. Perhaps he'll find his stroke again with the extra practice as last year was the first time since 1992 in which he failed to reach double-digits in home runs. He probably won't have much fantasy value if his trending decline continues.
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| Ivan Rodriguez said that he will play winter ball in his home country of Puerto Rico, according to the Associated Press. |
Our View: Pudge hasn't played in his homeland since the 1995-96 winter ball season. He continues to be one of the stronger defensive catchers in the game but his days as a productive fantasy player might be coming to a close. He had just seven home runs and 35 RBI in 2008 while batting .276.
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| There is speculation that the Marlins may be interested in bringing back Ivan Rodriguez as they are trying to trade Matt Treanor, as reported on MLB.com. |
Our View: The Yankees declined to offer him arbitration. Rodriguez batted .297 with 16 homers and 85 RBI during his lone season with the Marlins in 2003, and could benefit from a return.
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| GM Dave Dombrowski commented that Ivan Rodriguez is not likely to return to the Tigers, according to the Detroit Free Press. Dombrowski said, "I'd have to say he'd be more of a longshot."
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Our View: If Brandon Inge is moved to third base, the Tigers will still need a veteran catcher to complement Dusty Ryan. The team is yet to display interest in free agent Jason Varitek, and do not have a surplus of pitching available to deal for Gerald Laird of Texas.
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| Ivan Rodriguez is not likely to re-sign with the Yankees, according to the NY Daily News. |
Our View: He would like a full-time job, but that won't be possible with Jorge Posada expected to return from his shoulder injury next season. Rodriguez didn't perform as well as the Yankees expected during his two-month stint with the team as well.
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| Beat writer Bryan Hoch believes that Ivan Rodriguez will not be back with the Yankees even if Jorge Posada isn't back to full strength with his shoulder by next season, according to the Yankees Official Website. |
Our View: The team will likely go with Posada and hope he can play 120 games behind the plate, with Jose Molina picking up the rest of the slack. However, if Posada suffers any kind of setback, the Yankees will have to go out there an bring in someone else to battle with Molina.
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| Ivan Rodriguez could be headed to the Mets now that he is a free agent who is unlikely to return to the Yankees, according to Gotham Baseball. |
Our View: This is nothing more than a rumor at this point, but the Mets would likely be interested at the right price, especially considering that Pudge seems to have a great respect for Mets GM Omar Minaya. Stay tuned, and if you own Brian Schneider in a keeper league, you might want to make other plans at the catcher's spot (hopefully no one reading this is in that laughable situation).
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| Ivan Rodriguez has started only 25 of the 44 games since he became a Yankee. |
Our View: Pudge has not been much help to the pin stripes since his arrival. It appears unlikely he re-signs with the team at the end of the season.
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| Yankees catcher Ivan Rodriguez was suspended for two games after he and Torii Hunter were involved in an altercation that led to the team's benches clearing, according to the AP. |
Our View: As is the case with Hunter, there is no word on if Rodriguez will appeal the suspension.
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| Ivan Rodriguez is not in the lineup on Tuesday due to what manager Joe Girardi describes as "whiplash," the Orange County Register reports. The catcher got into a scuffle with Angels outfielder Torii Hunter on Monday night. |
Our View: It would be nice to have the veteran catcher out there working with rookie Alfredo Aceves, but apparently fighting through neck pain is not in Pudge's contract.
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| Ivan Rodriguez is listed as day-to-day after suffering a bruised right knee Wednesday that was the result of a collision at home plate with the Rangers' David Murphy, according to the AP. |
Our View: Pudge will almost surely sit out tomorrow, but hopefully he'll be good to go for the weekend series against the Angels.
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| Ivan Rodriguez left Wednesday's game after being hurt on collision at home plate that ended the second inning, according to the AP. It's not clear what Rodriguez's injury is, but it appeared that the Rangers' David Murphy ran his knee hard into Rodriguez's shin guard. |
Our View: Jose Molina replaced Pudge in the lineup. We'll pass along more info when it becomes available.
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| Ivan Rodriguez will sit on Tuesday against the Rangers. Jose Molina is getting the start, the Fort Worth Star Telegram reports. |
Our View: FYI for fantasy owners with daily transactions. Molina also started in place of Pudge on Saturday.
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| Catcher Ivan Rodriguez made his Yankees debut on Thursday, and went 1-for-3 in the Yankees 12-6 loss to the Angels. |
Our View: Pudge batted out of the eight hole, and he also hit into a double play. His numbers are still good enough to make their way into fantasy lineups.
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| The Marlins made an effort to land Ivan Rodriguez, but the Tigers chose Kyle Farnsworth over the Marlins' package, according to ESPN's Jayson Stark. |
Our View: The Fish are still looking for a catcher, with Texas' Gerald Laird, Baltimore's Ramon Hernandez and the Giants' Bengie Molina as possibilities.
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| Ivan Rodriguez has been dealt to the Yankees in exchange for righty Kyle Farnsworth, according to ESPN. |
Our View: The Yankees were also said to be interested in Gerald Laird of the Rangers, but ended up with Pudge. He should start in New York with Jose Molina relegated to the backup role. He is hitting .295 and his home run rate should improve while leaving Comerica Park to play his home games at Yankee Stadium.
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| Ivan Rodriguez was 4-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Sunday's victory over the White Sox. |
Our View: As is becoming standard with Pudge, he hit the ball very well after his night off on Saturday. Be sure that you get him in your lineups following days of rest.
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| Detroit failed to find the offense needed to overcome a 7-4 loss against Baltimore, though catcher Ivan Rodriguez did his best to reverse their fortunes. Rodriguez went 4-for-4 at the plate, hitting his fifth home run of the season to total two RBIs and two runs scored on the night. |
Our View: Rodriguez is in the midst of two productive month, hitting .333 for the month of June followed by a matching .333 average through July. The players in front of him need to get on base to improve his run production, but I-Rod is giving the Tigers a quality bat in the bottom half of the order.
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| The Marlins have asked Detroit about the availability of Ivan Rodriguez, but the Tigers told them the veteran wasn't available, according to the Miami Herald. However, if the Tigers should fall out of contention, the pending free agent could be dealt. |
Our View: Pudge would certainly be an upgrade to the Marlins' catching situation, and he of course has played in Florida before, having won a championship with them in 2003.
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| Ivan Rodriguez is receiving the night off on Wednesday. Dane Sardinha will start in his place. |
Our View: Pudge is simply getting some rest and should be back in the lineup tomorrow. Look for him to hit well when he returns, continuing a trend he has developed this season.
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| Ivan Rodriguez continues to up his batting average. On Sunday, he went 4-for-7 bringing it to a season high .290. |
Our View: Pudge is hitting .304 at home and continues to hit his best the day after not starting. His three HRs, 28 RBI, and 28 runs are a bit disappointing, but he is still a decent fantasy commodity.
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| Ivan Rodriguez was not having a great year, but the veteran catcher has seen his numbers rise steadily this month. He has raised his batting average from .245 in early June to a far more respectable .275, his current average. |
Our View: At least part of his improving performance could be due to plate discipline. After coaxing just three walks in 77 plate appearances in May, Rodriguez has been more patient in June, drawing seven walks in 57 plate appearances for the month.
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| Ivan Rodriguez will share time behind the plate with Brandon Inge for a while, according to MLB.com. "You can tell when a guy catches as much as (Rodriguez) does, particularly a guy who's caught as many games as he has, that's not easy to do," manager Jim Leyland said. "He's in as good shape as any player we've got. I don't care how good shape he's in. You catch that many games, [some] 12 innings, [some] a day game after a night game, you get rundown. I don't care who you are. I don't care how good shape you're in. That goes for anybody." |
Our View: Pudge has struggled at the plate this year, hitting just .245 with one homer and 21 RBI. Perhaps he is worn down, or perhaps the 36-year-old is just not as good a hitter as he once was.
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| Ivan Rodriguez has been moved up to sixth in the Tigers' batting order on Wednesday against the Angels, according to CBSsports.com. |
Our View: Manager Jim Leyland is trying to generate more production from the lineup. He has batted eighth and ninth most of the season. He hit between Miguel Cabrera and Edgar Renteria in the order Wednesday, but only went 1-for-4 while leaving three men on base, but the Tigers won 6-2.
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| With Curtis Granderson out of the lineup on Friday night, catcher Ivan Rodriguez is back in the leadoff spot for the Tigers. |
Our View: Pudge has never faced Yankee starter Kei Igawa, but returns to the top of the order while Granderson gets a night off.
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| Ivan Rodriguez is hitting in the ninth spot on Monday night when the Tigers host the Red Sox.
Third baseman Carlos Guillen is now hitting third and new left fielder Gary Sheffield is in the six-hole for tonight's game. Jim Leyland told the media on Sunday he was going to make some changes to his lineup.
The biggest move is that Jacque Jones was designated for assignment and his replacement, Matthew Joyce, will start in right field and hit seventh. |
Our View: Again, there is only so much the Tigers skipper can do. In fact, designating Jones may have been what he was referring to after Sunday's game all along.
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| With Curtis Granderson on the bench to start the game, he later entered and had a single in his only AB, Ivan Rodriguez hit leadoff for the Tigers and went 0-for-5. |
Our View: This is the fifth time that Irod has hit leadoff this year and he is batting .130 with an OBP below .200 in those games. We love Jim Leyland, but can someone tell him not to bat a guy leadoff who hasn't even reached base in a third of his at-bats since 2004.
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| Ivan Rodriguez had a productive day at the plate on Monday. Hitting from the No. 2 spot in the lineup Pudge was 4-for-5 that included an RBI. |
Our View: The Tigers catcher had a monster spring, but his April numbers have been modest. Coming into Monday's game against the Jays, I-Rod was hitting .231 with nine runs scored, one home run and seven RBI.
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| Ivan Rodriguez had a tough day at the plate in Sunday's 5-3 loss to Toronto, as he went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts, while leaving four men on base. |
Our View: The team only registered six hits all game, so he will be forgiven.
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| Detroit catcher Ivan Rodriguez may have seen his best days as a baseball player move along several seasons ago, but he still carries a bat to fear and can get the job done in the lower part of the batting order. Pudge went 3-of-3 at the plate today with a sacrifice fly, picking up one run scored and one RBI for his efforts. |
Our View: In two games versus the Blue Jays, Pudge has hit rather well, a nice break from the frustrations of the early going that have not offered as many rewards (batting .213 coming into the series).
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| Ivan Rodriguez is out of the Tigers lineup that squares off in the second game of a two-game series against the Indians. |
Our View: Center fielder Clete Thomas is leading off and Brandon Inge, who is batting ninth, is behind the plate.
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| The Tigers offense finally showed life on Monday, and Ivan Rodriguez led the way. He went 2-for-4 with a double, triple, two runs, and three RBI against the Twins. |
Our View: It's only a matter of time before this potent lineup breaks out in a big way.
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| Ivan Rodriguez went 3-for-4 with two doubles, two runs, and two RBI in Friday's loss to the White Sox. He snapped back after a 1-for-12 series against the Royals. |
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| Ivan Rodriguez, who has had one of his best springs as a big league, hit a pair of doubles and scored twice in Thursday's spring contest. Pudge has five home runs this spring and is hitting .375. |
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| Ivan Rodriguez has been impressive this spring, especially in the eyes of manager Jim Leyland, this according to the AP. “Pudge is looking a lot stronger than last spring. When he stays in the strike zone he can hit .320. When he gets out of the strike zone, he doesn’t hit." Well Pudge must have swung at a lot of pitches out of the strike zone last year as he hit only .281. Given his hideous control of the strike zone last year, he had a career worst 96 K and a career low nine BB, it would be a minor miracle if he hit .300 this season no matter what his manager says. |
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| Ivan Rodriguez said he used "heavier weights" and "didn't do the bicycle as much" while working out during the offseason, so he would be stronger this season, according to the Detroit Free Press. "I worked hard to get ready for the season," Rodriguez said. "I lifted a lot of weights, did a lot of running and mentally got in good shape. I got a focus." Pudge hit 11 home runs all of last season, but he already has six this spring, so it looks like the work is paying off. |
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| The Tigers fielded their projected opening day lineup on Wednesday and put an 11-4 beating on the Houston Astros. Detroit smacked four home runs and four doubles over the first four innings. Ivan Rodriguez homered twice, his fifth and sixth of the spring. |
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| Ivan Rodriguez went a perfect 3-for-3 on Friday, with two RBI. He should remain a steady performer for the Tigers this season. |
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| Ivan Rodriguez is in the last year of his contract with the Tigers and says it's up to the team whether or not he returns to Motown for another year. "It's their decision," Rodriguez said in the Detroit News. "I'd like to stay here, but as of right now, I'm going to be here for one year. I'll play my best and try to help this team get to the playoffs." Pudge is entering his 18th season in the big leagues, but he's not thinking about retiring even if the Tigers don't bring him back. "Everybody needs to realize that I was one of those lucky guys who came up when I was 19 years old," he said. "Everybody thinks that because I'm in my 18th season, I'm old. I'm only 36. I'm still going to play a lot of ball. The way I take care of myself and the way that I work, I know I can play a lot of baseball. The fact that I've played a lot of years in the big leagues doesn't mean anything." |
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| The Tigers have exercised Ivan Rodriguez's $13 million, 2008 option, according to the AP. "The Tigers are pleased to have Pudge back for the 2008 season," Tigers president and general manager David Dombrowski said in a statement. "He has done a tremendous amount for our franchise in his four seasons in Detroit." Pudge hit .281 with 11 homers and 63 RBI on the year, although only three of those homers and 17 RBI came in the second half. Rodriguez is still a solid regular, but the fact that he's allergic to drawing walks (he drew nine this year) makes him less valuable. |
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| Ivan Rodriguez was scratched from Monday's lineup against the Devil Rays due to a sore left ankle, according to the AP. It's unclear if he'll be forced to miss any more time with the injury. |
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| Ivan Rodriguez dropped his appeal of his one-game suspension by Major League Baseball and will sit out tonight's game against the A's, according to the AP. He's being suspended for his actions during a July 12 game against Seattle. |
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| Ivan Rodriguez was rested Wednesday due to "minor soreness," the AP reports. He'll likely be back in the lineup Thursday. |
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| Ivan Rodriguez has been suspended for one game by Major League Baseball for his altercation with an umpire during Thursday's game. He is appealing the suspension. |
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| Ivan Rodriguez was ejected from Thursday's game with the Mariners in the fourth inning for arguing that he was interfered with while trying to throw out a base stealer, according to the AP. He came very close to bumping the home plate umpire during the argument. |
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| Ivan Rodriguez had to leave Wednesday’s game in the fourth inning with a hamstring injury and is officially being labeled day-to-day by the Tigers. “It will be OK Friday,” Rodriguez told the Detroit Free Press. “It was just a cramp. I’ll drink a lot of water. I’ll be ready.” |
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| Ivan Rodriguez will get a routine day off Sunday, the AP reports. Mike Rabelo will catch in his place. |
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| Ivan Rodriguez was given a routine day off Saturday. He'll return to the lineup for Sunday's series finale at Minnesota. |
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| Ivan Rodriguez returned to action Sunday after missing two games with a bruised left foot. X-rays on the foot came back negative. |
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| Ivan Rodriguez missed his second straight game on Saturday with a bruised foot. X-rays on the foot came back negative, and Rodriguez told the team’s official website that he hopes to play on Sunday. |
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| Ivan Rodriguez did not start on Friday because of a sore foot, according to the AP. He fouled a ball off his foot in Wednesday's loss to Chicago and is day-to-day. Mike Rabelo started at catcher instead. |
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| Ivan Rodriguez will get the day off today against against the Royals, according to the Detroit News. "Nobody really needs a day off at this point, Pudge would be fine to play," said manager Jim Leyland, "but he gets beat up back there." Pudge is coming off a monster game against the Royals on Monday, going 2-for-5 at the plate with a homer and six RBI. |
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| Ivan Rodriguez will get the day off Thursday when the Tigers open a four-game series at Toronto, the AP reports. |
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| Ivan Rodriguez will bat leadoff for the Tigers against left-handed pitchers this year, with Curtis Granderson getting the call against righties, the Detroit News reports. |
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| Ivan Rodriguez batted leadoff in Thursday's exhibition game with Curtis Granderson eighth, the Detroit News reports. Manager Jim Leyland didn't want to discuss the lineup, however. "I'm not going to get into that every day. I know it's probably a little bit of a story, but I'm not going to discuss it every day because it's silly. We have nine good hitters." For what it's worth, the Tigers were facing a left-handed starter.
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| Ivan Rodriguez batted second Thursday and went 2-for-5 with a homer. Manager Jim Leyland hasn't committed to any set order for the rest of the year. |
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| A shoulder injury to Placido Polanco forced Ivan Rodriguez to move from catcher to second base for the first time in his career on Tuesday night, according to the AP. Rodriguez had never played second base in 2,256 previous major and minor league games. |
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| Ivan Rodriguez returned to the lineup Thursday after missing one game with a sore right thumb, according to the AP. He went 1-for-4 at the plate in his return. |
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| Tigers manager Jim Leyland said he hopes that Ivan Rodriguez will be able to take part in all four games against the Devil Rays, beginning today, according to the Detroit News. Pudge missed the weekend series against the Twins due to a bruised right thumb. |
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| Ivan Rodriguez was out of the lineup again Sunday with a bruised right thumb, according to the AP. He hasn't played since Tuesday. It's unclear when Pudge will be ready to return to the lineup. |
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| Manager Jim Leyland has stated that he's not concerned about the bruised thumb of Ivan Rodriguez, according to the Detroit News. Pudge underwent X-rays on Tuesday and everything was fine. He's missed the last two games with the injury, and it's not clear when he'll return to the lineup. |
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| Ivan Rodriguez was out of the lineup for the second straight game Friday because of a bruised thumb on his throwing hand, according to the AP. Rodriguez suffered the injury before Tuesday's game. He is considered day-to-day. |
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| Ivan Rodriguez missed Wednesday's game because of a bruised left thumb he sustained in the batting cage, according to the Detroit Free Press. Rodriguez is expected to play on Friday. |
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| Ivan Rodriguez is expected to play on Thursday despite tweaking his ankle in the sixth inning of Wednesday's game, according to the Tigers website. Rodriguez sustained the injury while sliding into third base. |
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