Last Updated on December 12, 2009 8:50 pm by shah
Pudge a National
Washington, DC – Ivan Rodriguez has signed a $6 million, two-year deal with the Washington Nationals after passing a physical.
The 38-year-old catcher said on Friday that he wants to be an everyday player. Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo, however, wants Rodriguez to split time with Jesus Flores, who is recovering from shoulder surgery and is supposed to be ready for spring training.
Rodriguez is a 14-time All-Star and a 13-time Gold Glove winner. The Nationals are hoping he can help groom Flores, mentor young pitchers and provide leadership for a team that lost more than 100 games each of the past two seasons.
Rodriguez split last season between Houston and Texas. He hit a combined .249 with 10 homers and 47 RBIs.
Posted: 12/12/09 9:50PM ET