Miami, FL (My Sportsbook) - The Florida Marlins signed catcher Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez to a one-year contract Wednesday reportedly worth $10 million. "When an opportunity of this magnitude presents itself, I felt this was the perfect time to provide a major boost to the Florida Marlins," said owner Jeffrey Loria. "Adding a future Hall-of-Famer to our current team completes what we believe is a very successful offseason." The 10-time All-Star became a free agent after the Texas Rangers failed to offer him arbitration following the 2002 season. The 31-year-old Rodriguez, also the winner of 10 Gold Gloves as well as the 1999 AL MVP award, hit .314 with 19 homers and 60 RBI in 108 games last year. In 12 seasons, all with Texas, Rodriguez has batted .305 with 215 homers and 829 RBI in 1,479 games. "Pudge brings leadership, professionalism and outstanding defense behind the plate. His defensive ability can neutralize any opponent," Marlins general manager Larry Beinfest said. |
