The rumors surrounding the Houston Astros interest in signing 14-time All-Star catcher Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez became a reality when the future Hall-of-Famer agreed to a one-year, $1.5 million deal on Monday, according to ESPN's baseball analyst Steve Phillips.
Throughout his decorated career, Rodriguez, the 1999 AL MVP has distinguished himself as one of the greatest catchers in baseball history.
Known for his tremendous clubhouse leadership, Pudge's defensive skills and ability to manage a pitching staff makes the 37-year-old a valuable commodity to an Astros' squad seeking immediate assistance at the catching position.
The Puerto Rico native has hit .301 with 295 home runs, 1,217 RBI and 2,605 hits in 8,645 at-bats during his 18-year big league career.
His career includes time with the Texas Rangers (1991-2002), Florida Marlins (2003), Detroit Tigers (2004-08) and New York Yankees (2008).
In recent years, however, Pudge's numbers have significantly declined, as evident with his .219 average in 96 at-bats for the Yankees last season.
When All-Star catcher Jorge Posada suffered a season-ending injury, Yankees owner George Steinbrenner traded right-handed reliever Kyle Farnsworth to Detroit in order to obtain the legendary catcher.
Steinbrenner hoped Rodriguez would be a temporary solution for a team seeking a World Series title. Unfortunately, the Bronx has not been particularly kind to Pudge, who found himself on the free-agent market with limited suitors this offseason.
Despite his diminishing production, Rodriguez brings a wealth of postseason experience to the Astros' organization. He won a World Series ring with the Marlins in 2003 and participated in the 2006 World Series as a Tiger against the St. Louis Cardinals.
For nearly two months, Astros GM Ed Wade constantly informed the media of the team's lack of interest in signing Rodriguez. Wade made it crystal-clear that the Astros' top prospect Jason Castro, the team's 2008 first-round selection out of Stanford University, would represent the team's future at the catching position.
At that time, Houston was willing to give catchers Humberto Quintero and JR Towles an opportunity to win the starting job.
Wade built the Astros to be a future contender, not necessarily in 2009. Realistically, Houston wants to get younger. Since the beginning of spring training, the mindset of the organization has rapidly changed.
Manager Cecil Cooper's frustration toward the lack of offense and overall defense, combined with a 1-14-2 record, influenced the organization to look outside for an impact player.
Quintero and Towles offensive woes and inability to seize the role as the starting catcher made Pudge a logical choice for owner Drayton McLane.
Currently, Rodriguez's is on an offensive tear for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic, and can add at least one or two more victories to every Houston starting pitcher's win total this season.
If the Astros were in any other division, the signing of Pudge may have never taken place. Fortunately, Houston plays in a weak NL Central division, where even during a rebuilding season, a team can still contend for the divisional title.
When examining the teams in the NL Central this season, the Chicago Cubs have depth from top to bottom and will be the favorite to win the division.
The Milwaukee Brewers took a major hit by losing two All-Star pitchers in CC Sabathia and Ben Sheets. St. Louis still has Albert Pujols, but possesses an injury-prone pitching staff. Cincinnati and Pittsburgh continue to build with young players for the future.
The Astros lack overall depth, but still have All-Stars Lance Berkman, Carlos Lee, Miguel Tejada, Roy Oswalt, and Jose Valverde. By adding Pudge to the mix, Houston becomes a legitimate candidate to finish in the top two in the NL Central.
Even if they can't top the Cubs, the Astros may be able to compete for a wild card.
Pudge is a temporary solution for now, bridging the gap until Castro officially seizes the catching duties. He made $13 million last season and will make $1.5 million with the Astros in 2009.
McLane and Wade worked the deal to the club's advantage as a low-risk, potential high reward asset. Since RHP Brandon Backe may not make the opening-day roster, his money will contribute to Pudge's contract.
If the Astros find themselves out of the playoff race in July, they may be inclined to deal Pudge to a contender. For now, McLane views Rodriguez as a tremendous business deal. He will attract baseball fanatics to Minute Maid Park, increase season ticket sales, and cause a migration of Astros' fans to Kissimmee for the remainder of spring training.
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