Tampa Bay Rays "In Mix" For Ivan Rodriguez

by Tommy Rancel on Dec 5, 2009 1:39 PM EST

Perhaps no position on the Rays remains as unsettled as the catcher position. Even with the acquisition of Kelly Shoppach and the departure of Gregg Zaun, it's anyones guess as to who will be the Rays catcher opening day. Even after opening day, there is no indication whether the Rays are going with a primary catcher or a platoon split. Jon Heyman adds to the confusion today by tweeting that the Rays are one of four teams interested in the services of future hall of fame catcher Ivan Rodriguez.

The idea of Pudge in a Rays uniform is one that I've had for a while. Before the 2009 season, I even dedicated an entire post to the Rays signing him. The Rays did not, and instead Rodriguez started the season with the Houston Astros before being traded to the team where he made most of his headlines, the Texas Rangers. Making a modest $1.5 million dollar base in 2009, Rodriguez hit just .245/.280/.384. It's no secret that at his age, his best offensive days are behind him. Pudge hasn't had a wOBA season over .330 since 2006, but he's still pretty good defensively throwing out nearly 35% of runners in 2009. His splits do not to see to be matches Shoppach or Dioner Navarro.

With other teams like the Royals, Giants and Rangers involved, it's likely that he could see more playing time and receive more money in those situations, but you never know. The Rays haven't been as active in signings as the Braves or the Mets to this point, but given their reported interest in all these players it isn't from a lack of effort.

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i dont see it...

He hits lefties well, but not righties. Why spend the money?

by td32 on Dec 5, 2009 1:48 PM EST reply actions

You know how these rumors go

It wouldnt surprise me if the Rays called Pudge’s reps and asked how much he was looking for and that turns into them being one of the teams “in mix.” My guess is some tire kicking was done, but he’s probably looking for more time and money.

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by Tommy Rancel on Dec 5, 2009 2:28 PM EST up reply actions

Or his agent contacted the Rays

and then added the Rays to his list of interested parties to make the field seem more competitive. I do not see it unless they want him as a coach.

by bobr on Dec 5, 2009 7:13 PM EST up reply actions

Meh on Pudge

AF says he will decide on Navi at the deadline, not making him feel so safe but I really dont want Jaso/Lobaton as a full season backup and Riggans will be on the 60 day DL after his next hair cut.

Give me a CC long term deal, please!

by joeybw on Dec 5, 2009 2:18 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

I rarely ever literally laugh out loud....

But the hair cut thing had me chuckling

by Hatfield on Dec 5, 2009 8:07 PM EST up reply actions

I actually feel pretty good about things working out with either Jaso or Lobaton

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by FreeZorilla on Dec 5, 2009 9:13 PM EST up reply actions

Agreed

For 150 managed Plate Appearances we can find a way to hide weaknesses and promote strengths. The question is would you rather have the walk machine or the defensive whiz. I’m partial to Lobaton, provided his defense isn’t being too exaggerated.

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by Andy Hellicksonstine on Dec 6, 2009 11:00 AM EST up reply actions

Jason Cromer says he calls a good game.

Also: more on Shoppach/platoons Tuesday.

by R.J. Anderson on Dec 6, 2009 11:28 AM EST up reply actions

Lets let ST decide

If Jaso will ever be good enough defensively, this is his time. Lobs is nice insurance.

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by FreeZorilla on Dec 6, 2009 11:45 AM EST up reply actions

Oh and OT but

has anyone heard anything about Shouse?

Give me a CC long term deal, please!

by joeybw on Dec 5, 2009 2:20 PM EST reply actions

This is getting annoying to me

I fail to see how paying in the $1.5 million range for a backup catcher is any better of an allocation of resources than paying $1.5 million for a reliever.

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by Brickhaus on Dec 5, 2009 2:37 PM EST reply actions

Lobaton looks better than most of these options anyways.

by R.J. Anderson on Dec 5, 2009 4:34 PM EST up reply actions

I don't think it is

a better allocation of resources. In fact, I think it is considerably worse unless the backup is expected to get significant playing time and has some important skill or can make more than a token contribution. My guess is the Rays feel the same way, and this is just noise.

by bobr on Dec 5, 2009 7:15 PM EST up reply actions