Pudge and the Giants
Posted By Jeff Fletcher on March 15, 2009 12:27 pm
There are rampant rumors that the Giants are among the teams interested in Pudge Rodriguez. While the Giants confirmed they have discussed Rodriguez, they have also denied “actively pursuing” him.
This rumor is one of those that seems easy to dismiss because it makes no sense.
The Giants already have an old catcher on a one-year deal, Bengie Molina. What would they do with another one? I think the Giants would be more likely to be interested in a guy like Pudge this time next year, if they feel that Buster Posey needs a little more seasoning before taking over. Not now.
As for talk about Pudge providing some insurance at other infield spots, he’s played seven games at first and one at second in his career, all in 2006. That doesn’t really say “utility player” to me.
I agree. Pudge has been a favorite player of mine for years (and not only mine — Mark Ellis once told me that Pudge is one of his favorites as well). But at this stage of his career he has to be seen as a utility player, of course catching and perhaps backup first and third. He’s willing to do anything in order to play, which is great.
The Giants do need more offense, however.
I agree. Don’t see how having an aging catcher with no experience besides first and DH becomes a utility guy.
For all the questions by other writers about Sandoval playing 3rd, now some expect a guy 15 years older to suddenly pick it up.
I’d rather have Josh Phelps catch than Pudge play third..
He’s been playing great in the WBC, maybe the best of any position player, but he really isn’t a great option for the Giants. Its obviously a small sample size but I’ve seen one of those whopping seven games at first base and he is not very good.
He’s best suited on a team that has weakness at catcher or needs a short term fix now. The Giants have their short term situation figured out.
Pudge is a better option to backup Molina then Steve Holm. If he comes cheap enough (simular deal to Uribe and Aurilia of 1 year and just $1M guaranteeed) I see no problem with signing him.
I do however agree that planning to use him at 1B or 3B does not make much sense. Backup catcher and pinchhitter only should be the role. If this is not enough of a role for Pudge or he wants more dollars then pass.
This makes no sense … Even if the Giants were interested in Pudge as a backup catcher, at what price would he be willing to come to SF? It doesn’t make sense to me to sign a guy like that for $1m. or more just to have him catch 25-30 games to give Bengie a break. As for backing up at 3B and 1B, isn’t that why the Giants have Rich Aurilia in camp?
I don’t think Pudge is going to be taking a back up job as a catcher anywhere. You’d probably run into morale problems with Bengie as well, even if you say you sign him as a back up. You can’t sign a future HOF as a back up and not get the lead guy a little concerned.