March 16, 200917 yr 03/16/09 1:35 PM ET Pudge expected to sign with Astros Free-agent catcher to take physical after he's finished with Classic By Alyson Footer / MLB.com KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Ivan Rodriguez is expected to sign with the Astros, pending a physical exam that will be taken upon the completion of Puerto Rico's participation in the World Baseball Classic. General manager Ed Wade would only confirm that he has re-engaged agent Scott Boras, approximately two months since the last time the two had talked about the free agent catcher. "He reached out to us a few days ago and he and I had a discussion," Wade said. "We're still in the discussion phase. The fact of the matter is that where we were with the economic situation two months ago, we couldn't get a deal done. But in the last few days, we see there is a possiblity to get something done." In essence, playing time is an important part of the negotations. The Astros are likely not offering the most money but they can offer a No. 1 catching job, which other teams have apparently been hesitant to do. The contract will be for one year at $1.5 million with another $1.5 million possible in incentive bonuses, ESPN.com reported. Humberto Quintero is currently considered the incumbent No. 1 catcher, but the Astros privately have not been sold on having him fill that role. The 36-year-old Rodriguez, a 14-time All-Star in 18 Major League seasons, is 9-for-15 with two homers in four Classic games, and was named Most Valuable Player of Pool D, part of the first round played in San Juan. Puerto Rico, which takes on Venezuela tonight in Miami, is 4-0 in the tournament. Rodriguez finished last season with the Yankees after 4 1/2 seasons with the Tigers, one with the Marlins and 12 with the Rangers. Alyson Footer is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs. MLB.com
March 16, 200917 yr :\ sucks. I was hoping we could have gotten him. I wonder what our offer was. Our offer was to be a backup. In Houston, with the terribleness of Quintero and how green Towles is, he has a chance to start.
March 16, 200917 yr I don't see how this is a surprise. Rab is right that the only thing we could offer him is a backup role, which im sure he did not want. Houston was willing to give him the playing time and the cash. Get over it.
March 16, 200917 yr If there is a positive to this for the Marlins, it is that John Baker must feel pretty cool that the Marlins told a future HOFer "Yo...we don't need you...we have Johnny Bake". :cool
March 17, 200917 yr Can't really say I'm that upset he isn't with us. I don't think he's the difference in us makin the playoffs.
March 17, 200917 yr He's just a big name for us, that will bring fans to the ballpark, might not actually produce in the field anymore.
March 17, 200917 yr I'm really not looking forward to seeing Rabelo back on the team this year. :banghead
March 17, 200917 yr great...really f'n great. marlins dropped the ball here. I mean pudge doesnt make a HUGE difference like manny does for the dodgers. but he really frikin helps... i mean cmon...Rabelo or Pudge??? Rabelo and Baker got to step it up now...
March 17, 200917 yr great...really f'n great. marlins dropped the ball here. I mean pudge doesnt make a HUGE difference like manny does for the dodgers. but he really frikin helps... i mean cmon...Rabelo or Pudge??? Rabelo and Baker got to step it up now... You don't get it. The guy wasn't willing to accept a back-up role. Had we not found our diamond in the rough last year (Shake n' Bake) then I would have jumped all over the FO for not signing him on an incentive bolstered deal. He obviously doesn't feel he's declined to the point where he must accept a back-up job. I mean the guy still claims that getting 3,000 hits is a realistic goal of his. In order to approach that number he's going to need at least three full seasons of 500+ PA each.
March 19, 200917 yr At least fathers of young 'ladies' (and I use that term probably as loosely (no pun intended) as Pudge has) in South Florida will can breath easier!!!
March 20, 200917 yr Author It's official. Pudge passed the physical -- he is now an Astro: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/articl...2oMNBgD971S8204
March 21, 200917 yr MAX RAMIREZ ANYONE? WE NEED TO GET THIS GUY! Dream on. The only way we would be able to pry him away from Texas would be to give up a Sean West type prospect. When we trade away Uggla then I might consider a package built around Ramirez and a B+ pitching prospect.
March 21, 200917 yr marlins are looking at long term Pudge didnot fit in that plan their see in Baker as that and Rabelo as his backup
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