LethalStriker
03-16-2009, 02:12 PM
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090316&content_id=3997794&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
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.
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.
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.
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.