Ivan Rodriguez

I was forced to go to the game by myself last night because I just couldn't find anyone to go with me and I had to go.  I've decided it is actually good to go to a game by yourself every once in awhile.

I was able to really enjoy the game and just observe everything that was going on.  There were a few things that really stood out to me and reminded me why I love this game so much.

It started with Omar Vizquel before the game even started.

Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez broke the Record last night for most games caught, passing Carlton Fisk with 2,227 games. Pudge played for the Rangers from 1991-2002. He played for the Marlins in 2003, winning a World Series. From 2004-part of 2008 Rodriguez played for the Tigers, winning the AL Pennant in 2006. Rodriguez played for the Yankees the other part of 2008. Now Rodriguez is playing for the Astros. This will take a look at the top five opponents Rodriguez faced, top five ballparks Rodriguez played in, and the top five pitchers that Rodriguez caught the most strikeouts from.

Typing "former Texas Ranger" in an article about Pudge Rodriguez continues to be painful for this fan.

I remember well the first time he threw a runner out trying to steal second. It was one of those moments when everyone watching knew a special player had just announced his presence with authority.

In one fluid motion, his quick feet making an instantaneous transition from crouch to throwing motion while he transferred the ball from his mitt to his hand without taking his eye off the target, Pudge threw a laser- beam strike to second well ahead of a shocked runner.

The Houston Astros can officially welcome future Hall-of-Fame catcher Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez to the active roster.

Rodriguez, the 1999 AL MVP, passed his physical in Orlando, finalizing the one-year, $1.5 million contract. ESPN.com reports the 14-time All-Star will make his spring debut for the Astros this Sunday.

The Houston Astros made a splash in free agency this week signing catcher Ivan Rodriguez to a one-year deal. Now don’t expect that all of Houston’s problems are solved and they have everything they need to reach the promised land. The move does however improve any chances Houston had at a division title or the wild card far more than anyone realizes.

You can now add nine for 15 with two homers to the numbers of the Houston Astros catchers this spring with the soon-to-be-official signing of Pudge Rodriguez.

Here’s the news from Astros.mlb.com: ”Ivan Rodriguez is expected to sign with the Astros, pending a physical exam that will be taken upon the completion of Puerto Rico’s participation in the World Baseball Classic.”

So let’s all hope Pudge doesn’t hurt himself in the classic.