NewsPudge, four others file for free agency
Catcher has made it clear he would like to continue career
By T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com
11/05/09 9:03 PM EST
ARLINGTON -- Catcher Ivan Rodriguez was one of five Rangers who filed for free agency on Thursday, the first day eligible players could file. Also filing were outfielders Hank Blalock and Marlon Byrd and pitchers Eddie Guardado and Joaquin Benoit. Guardado has talked about retiring. Rodriguez, who turns 38 on Nov. 30, has not. He has made it clear that he still wants to play for two or three more years. He has expressed an interest in returning to the Rangers but so far negotiations have been slow. "Pudge had a good return to our organization but we're still evaluating other options," general manager Jon Daniels said. Daniels said the Rangers are still evaluating how Jarrod Saltalamacchia is doing coming off shoulder surgery. They are also watching Taylor Teagarden play in the Arizona Fall League. The Rangers acquired Rodriguez in August in a trade with the Houston Astros and he hit .245 with two home runs and 13 RBIs in 28 games. He has played 19 seasons in the Major Leagues and has been selected to play in 14 All-Star Games while winning 13 Gold Gloves. Last season he set a Major League record for most career games as a catcher.T.R. Sullivan is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
