アストロズに決まった。
ここも背番号７はダメ・・・でも良い。
It's official: Catcher 'Pudge' completes deal with Astros
Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez successfully passed his physical, finalizing his one-year deal with the Astros and ending what had been a frustrating winter for the 14-time All-Star and 13-time Gold Glove winner.
“It’s taken a while, to be honest with you,” he said. “It wasn’t an easy off-season for me. But I’m glad that I’m back into a major league organization. The Houston Astros have been an organization that they have a lot of good players, and (are) a very good organization. For the players, the area is very nice.”
Rodriguez, who wore No. 7 for most of his career with the Texas Rangers, Florida Marlins and Detroit Tigers, will wear No. 12 in the regular season. A legend in Arlington, he realizes in Houston No. 7 is associated with Astros icon Craig Biggio, who was honored last season when his number was retired.
“Of course I love No. 7, but I respect that No. 7 here is untouchable,” he said. “Craig Biggio used this number for years, and I respect that. But No. 12, I like that number. But it doesn’t matter to me the number. Right now I just look forward to play and use whatever number in the back and do my best in the field.”
Rodriguez wore No. 12 last year after he was traded to the New York Yankees. He’ll wear No. 14 at the start of camp until hitting coach Sean Berry gives up No. 12.
“We’re very happy to have him here,” general manager Ed Wade said. “Obviously it’s a huge upgrade to our ballclub to have somebody with his ability and experience, and we think it’s another step in the direction we want to go to bring a World Series to Houston.”