Pudge not likely to return to Tigers

11/07/08 11:30 AM EST
Pudge not likely to return to Tigers
Traded to Yanks in July, catcher not the answer for Detroit

By Jason Beck / MLB.com

DETROIT -- The Tigers traded Ivan Rodriguez in July looking to move on with Brandon Inge as their catcher. Four months and two catchers later, they're searching again for help behind the plate.

Could that mean a return for Pudge to Detroit?

"I'd have to say he'd be more of a longshot," Tigers president/general manager Dave Dombrowski told the Detroit Free Press at this week's General Managers Meetings.

Though the names have changed in the Tigers' catching picture, the situation Rodriguez would face has not. When Detroit traded him, he had spent a good portion of the season sharing starts with Inge. The idea allowed the Tigers to see what Inge could do in a return to a catching role, but it also signified a move away from Rodriguez as a day-in, day-out catcher after five straight years with at least 123 games caught.

Rodriguez, who turns 37 years old later this month, batted .295 with five home runs and 32 RBIs in 82 games for the Tigers this past season before he was traded to the Yankees for Kyle Farnsworth on July 30. He batted .219 with two homers and three RBIs in 33 games for the Bronx Bombers and eventually lost playing time to Jose Molina, the man New York acquired him to replace as the regular catcher with Jorge Posada out for the season.

Playing time is expected to play a big factor in where Rodriguez signs, and there are no signs that situation would change for him in Detroit. Inge is no longer the Tigers' future behind the plate, but Dusty Ryan could be. The September callup began making regular starts over the season's final few weeks to give the club a look. While his power bat, strong arm and ability to call a game made a positive impression, he also showed that he still has some learning to do behind the plate.

Whether or not Ryan begins the season in Detroit, his potential development could play a role in how the Tigers proceed if they're unable to acquire another young catcher on the trade market. If they do sign a free-agent catcher, it's expected to be a short-term deal to help hold down the role.

Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

I say with some work, Ryan will be fine, we should definitely sign Tek until then, maybe to a 2 or 3 year deal.

gdennis59 wrote:

I say with some work, Ryan will be fine, we should definitely sign Tek until then, maybe to a 2 or 3 year deal.

Varitek would cost too much money. The Tigers only have about $15 million to spend this winter and Varitek would take up 80% of that.

I dunno, maybe since he knows his offense is declining, he will sign for a little less, and we could put an option on him for a year or two.

Varitek is in high demand, he will go where the money, and playing time are. That is not Detroit.

Bring Back Pudge

gs78 wrote:

Bring Back Pudge

even if he doesn't want to!

YEAH