(My Sportsbook) - It was one of the oddest off season moves, but catcher Ivan Rodriguez's signing with the Florida Marlins has definitely given them a leg up in the wild card race. Florida, a team which has been cutting payroll ever since winning the World Series, was mocked and criticized for signing the veteran catcher to a one year $10 million deal when they were supposed to be rebuilding. However, the Marlins knew what they were doing and are having the last laugh now.

Pudge, who played his first 12 years with Texas, has had major impact on the Marlins and is one of the main reasons they are 10 games over .500 and 1 1/2 games out of a wild card spot.

"Everything is going the right way," Rodriguez said to the Miami Herald."I'm enjoying every moment here. We're having so much fun."

Rodriguez started off the season slowly, batting .239, nearly 70 points below his career average, following his 0-for-5, four-strikeout performance on May 30th. However, since then he has hit .367 in June and .376 in July raising his overall average to .312. He has hit nearly .400 over his past 40 games and leads the NL in hitting with runners in scoring position.

Upon arriving in Florida, Rodriguez was criticized for many things like not being able to call a game, not going to meetings, and being more concerned about himself than his team. Pudge has since silenced his critics, calling solid game after solid game and his emotional displays on the field have showed the Marlins his commitment to the team.

"I want all my team to be selfish like this guy," third base coach Ozzie Guillen said. "You don't win the MVP without being a little selfish. This is an individual game played by a team. You have to have some of that in you to succeed. But Pudge is concerned about this team, too. Watch us, and you can see that."

The 10-time Gold Glove winner is not only a proven bat in the lineup but a professional catcher as well. In Monday's game, Rodriguez helped setup man Ugueth Urbina out of a situation that could of been costly. Urbina, who did not get the call he had wanted, acted out and was later accused of showing up the umpire. Had Pudge not acted on Urbina's behalf the game could have swung in a different direction.

"I just talked professionally to the umpire," Pudge explained. His reputation had an effect as Urbina got a called third strike later in the inning.

Rodriguez has also helped install confidence in closer Braden Looper. Looper, who throws fastballs primarily, has never confined in his slider or splitter. However, seeing Pudge call for those pitches in pressure situations has bolstered his once shaky beliefs.

"I heard the rumors about Pudge just like everyone else," Looper said."But I've worked as well with him as any catcher I've had. I wouldn't want to trade him for anyone."

Looper may have to get used to somebody else next season as Pudge and the Marlins haven't been discussing a deal that would keep him in Florida.

"For now, I'm here two more months," Rodriguez said, not sounding that committed to the Marlins. "I'd love to stay. If they keep this team together, we could do some good things. But I'll try free agency and see what happens."

Come season's end, Rodriguez will most likely be the highest sought after player. There just aren't any catchers that are as good a Pudge offensively or defensively. His 10 Gold Gloves and MVP performance in the 1999 season are just a few things on his resume. He also has a .305 career batting average.

Florida is not known for resigning players with big contracts, but they may want to reconsider when talking about a player like Rodriguez, who is batting .312, with 14 homers, and 65 RBI this season.

WHO'S HOT

Miguel Cabrera has an eight game hitting streak and in that time has gone 13- for-33 with 11 RBI.

Mike Lowell has hit safely in his last 11 games and during that period he has recorded 14 RBI.

WHO'S NOT

Juan Encarnacion has just three hits in his last 21 at bats.

Alex Gonzalez is two for his last nine with five strikeouts.

COMING UP

The Marlins will host the Houston Astros for a three-game set beginning on Friday.