Ivan Rodriguez on the verge of agreement with Detroit Tigers

[mouse7]

Rodriguez on the verge of agreement with Tigers
By RONALD BLUM, AP Sports Writer
January 29, 2004

NEW YORK (AP) -- Ivan Rodriguez is close to moving from the World Series champions to a team coming off one of the worst seasons in major league history.

Rodriguez and the Detroit Tigers were on the verge of agreeing to a $40 million, four-year contract, The Associated Press learned Wednesday night.

The 10-time All-Star catcher was to be examined in Texas on Thursday by Dr. Andrew Dossett, two baseball sources told the AP on the condition of anonymity. Dossett is the spine consultant to the Rangers and has treated Rodriguez for many years.

If all goes well in the exam, the agreement between the free agent and Detroit could be announced Friday, one of the sources said.

The deal contains a team option for 2008 that could make the contract worth $50 million over five years, one of the sources said.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylc=X3oDMTBpcDBuM2RlBF9TAzk1ODYxNzc3BHNlYwN0aA--?slug=ap-tigers-rodriguez&prov=ap&type=lgns

It's nice to see a franchise in terrible shape get a real chance to turn things around. Rodriguez is arguably the best player at his position in the history of baseball. Saying he will make an impact on a team that lost 119 games redefines understatement. His presence will bring interest from other players as well as the Tigers actually show a possibility of turning their fortunes around.

[denverbill]

1. I must say I'm shocked.

I'm surprised my Rockies never made a run at him. They haven't had a decent defensive catcher since Joe Girardi in 95 and Pudge is the best in baseball on defense. And his offensive number would be huge in Coors field.

I'm starting to feel bad for Detroit. They used to have some darned good teams back in the old, old days of Mickey Lolich, Denny McClain, Al Kaline, Norm Cash, etc. I used to hate them back when I was a Twins fan:).

[mouse7]

2. I don't even want to think about if Pudge had played at Coors

That's just sick. :)

What they need in Coors is Tommy John as a pitching coach. Tommy John made everyone hit ground balls.

[bif]

3. World Series, here we come!

Sarcasm, of course.

[mouse7]

6. Well, they have a shot at .500 for the first time in years.

I feel bad for any team that doesn't have at least a shot at .500 ball.

[Paragon]

4. Hallelujah!

Seems like I've been looking for this headline to come true every day for weeks - it figures the day after my computer goes on the fritz it happens.

IRod will look good in the Ol' English "D". Could've gone to the Cubs, too - and I would've been just as excited. Least he had the good sense to stay away from Baltimore.

[mouse7]

5. I think he might have, but they signed Javy Lopez first.

What was the Orioles going to do with Javy Lopez and Pudge?

[11 Bravo]

7. It won't be official

until he makes the obligatory bullshit claim that, "It's not about the money." He was probably thinking, "Gee, Florida has plenty of crime to keep things interesting, but it's just not cold enough!"

[mouse7]

8. Pudge signed to work with Trammell, Gibson, and Parrish!

He wants to pick out a new Ford Aerostar right off the assembly line.

Plus... Pudge wants to sing latin jazz with Joey Harrington on the keys.

And... great seats at Red Wings games!

I read it on the internet, therefore, it must be true.

[bif]

9. Uh, they don't make Ford Aerostars anymore.

[mouse7]

11. I bet they'd make one now for Pudge if he asked. n/t

[UrbScotty]

10. YIP...

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!