Pudge Rodriguez poised to join Astros: report

Free-agent catcher Ivan (Pudge) Rodriguez reportedly is putting the finishing touches on a one-year, $1.5-million US contract with the Houston Astros.

Rodriguez, winner of a major-league record 13 Gold Gloves for fielding excellence behind the plate, could pocket an additional $1.5-million US in performance bonuses, an anonymous source told the Associated Press.

Houston is seeking a veteran catcher to replace Brad Ausmus, who signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"There is not anything certain yet," Rodriguez told reporters Monday in Miami, where he is playing in the World Baseball Classic. "Right now, the only team I have is Puerto Rico.

"There is interest, but I have not received a [confirmation] call yet. Let's wait and see what happens in the coming hours or days."

Rodriguez, 37, was also coveted by the Florida Marlins, with whom he won the World Series in 2003.

"There was some interest and we will leave it at that," Marlins vice-president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest said. "Obviously, we have a lot of affection for Pudge and what he did in 2003.

"There was interest there and he made another choice [Houston] and that is the way it goes. Hopefully, it works out for him."

'I feel very good'

Rodriguez split last season between the Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees, hitting a combined .276 in 115 games with seven home runs, 35 runs batted in, 44 runs scored and 10 stolen bases.

Detroit traded him to New York for reliever Kyle Farnsworth last July 30.

"I feel very good, ready to play a whole season," Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez is a .301 hitter with 295 HRs, 1,217 RBIs, 1,253 runs and 124 steals in 2,267 games over 18 MLB seasons with the Texas Rangers, Marlins, Tigers and Yankees.

He is one of three major leaguers in history to boast at least a dozen Gold Gloves and a lifetime average of .300 or better, joining Willie Mays and the late Roberto Clemente.