New York Mets Not Interested In Ivan Rodriguez - Nor Should They Be

By Craig Williams

Apparently this little mini rumor of Ivan Rodriguez being interested in joining the New York Mets snuck up on me while I focused on work and school the past couple of days. However, the New York Mets do not appear interested in signing the future Hall-of-Famer to serve as their backup catcher.  Adam Rubin hear’s from a “very solid source” that the New York Mets are confident enough in current backups Mike Nickeas and Rob Johnson.  Josh Thole has the early lead on the starting role as of right now, but the belief is Nickeas and Johnson each have enough bat to earn a backup role.

I really don’t have anything against Pudge.  He was obviously a beast back in his prime.  It’s going to be a long time before we see another catcher that poses a significant offensive threat while also possessing lockdown defensive abilities.  The dual-threat package is virtually unheard of from backstops.  Even Joe Mauer – perhaps prematurely ticketed for The Hall (perhaps) –  hasn’t really come particularly close to what Rodriguez accomplished during similar stages in their careers.  It may be unfair to compare the two, but for me it just makes it easier to put into perspective the type of dominant force Pudge presented to opponents.

With all of that nostalgia out of my system, it is easy to agree with the Mets’ decision to move on without Rodriguez.  After all, the dude is 40.  You could argue that this is to his credit.  I mean, how many 40 year old guys can still play catcher at the Major League level?  You can probably count the number on one hand in any given year.  That still doesn’t mean I want him in Queens though.  And, really, it’s more about his inability to hit at this point then a raw bias against his age.  Since 2005 he has only had two seasons with an OBP above .300.  That’s unacceptable and I won’t stand for it – you know, since I’m making the calls.

I like the idea of the New York Mets going with young(er) options battling it out for the second backstop role.  I just don’t see that Ivan Rodriguez has anything left to offer this particular squad.

For more on the chatter and opinionated nuggets regarded the New York Mets, follow me on twitter@craigmwilliams.

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