Nats Have A Pudge
Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez, originally uploaded by kbreenbo.
Nationals.com reports that catcher Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez has been brought into the fold on a two-year/$6 million deal. Pudge will serve as a back-up catcher who will be on stand-by everyday to possibly fill in, but will mainly serve as a mentor to Jesus Flores. The Nationals have not made the official announcement, but it’s on the official website so it counts.
I nearly spit out my O.J. and choked on my Vitamin D pill when I read the news. Quite a surprise to wake up to.
While often subject to injury, extreme facial formations, winning and though he has probably lost a step or two over the years, this overall for the Nationals is a solid signing and with much hope, works out a whole lot better than when they attempted the same thing two years ago with Paul Lo Duca and that Estrada guy.
The years and price tag are some concern, but unfortunately the worst team in the MLB two years and running is going to have to suck it up and pay a little extra for talent until they can get on their winning legs. Pudge is ranked as one of the best defensive catchers in MLB history, has been all over the league, has experienced winning the prize (with Florida), losing the prize (with Detroit) and still has a passion and fire for the sport. Pudge can be a firecracker at times and when it comes to the Nats, that is good.
They need someone who dons war paint every game, rips raw, red meat right off the bone of a pterodactyl leg in the locker room and gets this team pumped up.
He has a plethora of experience and can fill the “vet role” nicely.
Pudge is also a recognizable name in the sport so the Nats might even sell 10 more tickets than before because let’s face it– between you and me– a lot of these current young baseball fans are nitwits and Pudge might be the only player they can connect with the role of catcher.
Those type think Yogi Berra steals picnic baskets.
3 Comments to “Nats Have A Pudge”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
On December 8th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
I have to disagree with you here. I think Rodriguez is no better at this point in his career than Josh Bard is.
Besides, I think the fact he “dons war paint every game, rips raw, red meat right off the bone of a pterodactyl leg in the locker room and gets this team pumped up” makes as much sense for overpaying for him as Dmitri Young’s smile made his signing seem.
On December 8th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
If he is no better or worse than Josh Bard at this point, then it shouldn’t matter. We know what we are getting if we resigned Josh Bard and we know where we finished when we had him. Perhaps some new blood at the position is what is needed.
I find it interesting that a good portion of Nats Bloggers at first praised this signing, but now that ESPN and the rest of the mindless jackals are completely bashing it, they are doing a complete turn around.
Not here baby. We recognize this for what it is: the signing of a back up catcher. It’s not going to make or break a 2010 season that was going to be shaky to begin with anyways.
It’s a back up catcher. I’m more concerned about the beer vendor than I am a back up catcher.
On December 8th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
I agree. I just hate having cheaters on the team I root for.
And I wrote mine before I heard any commentary – I don’t listen to the dipschits at NEYESPN any more.