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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Catcher Rodriguez hopes grass is greener

Associated Press

Ivan Rodriguez could never get past the New York Yankees in the postseason when he played for the Texas Rangers.

Back in Texas on Monday, the new Yankees catcher was content to be in the visitors’ clubhouse.

“The Yankees always got great teams,” said Rodriguez, remembering New York ousting the Rangers from the postseason three times in the 1990s. “They’re always a winning team and they’re always in the playoffs.”

New York manager Joe Girardi said he knows that much is being asked of Rodriguez to come in and familiarize himself with a new pitching staff at this point in the season.

“You’re talking about a Hall of Fame catcher we were able to acquire,” Girardi said. “It’s a big transition, but we thought he could do it.”

Rodriguez was 19 when he first squatted behind home plate for Texas. Now 36, he has played for the Marlins, Tigers and now Yankees since leaving Texas as a free agent.

Only Michael Young and Hank Blalock remain with the Rangers from Rodriguez’s last season in Texas, but he still commands plenty of respect in his old clubhouse.

“He stops the running game. He brings a winning attitude,” Rangers manager Ron Washington said. “He’s been catching a long time. He brings a lot of knowledge.”

Rodriguez was with the Rangers during their best seasons, leading Texas to what remains its only playoff appearances: 1996, 1998 and 1999, all against the Yankees.

New York beat the Rangers in four games in the 1996 division series, then swept Texas in the other two series. The Rangers scored only two runs in six games against New York in the ’98 and ’99 playoffs.

“That’s why the Yankees,” Rodriguez said Monday, “are the Yankees.”

Clearing the bases

Chicago Cubs closer Kerry Wood will come off the 15-day disabled list in the next couple of days after a long stay because of a blister on his right index finger. … Yankees starter Joba Chamberlain was removed from the game against the Rangers in the fifth inning with what the club announced was a stiff right shoulder. … Oakland Athletics third baseman Eric Chavez will have surgery to repair fraying of the labrum in his right shoulder next week, ending his season after he played in just 23 games. … The Atlanta Braves placed Rafael Soriano on the 15-day disabled list for the third time this season because of an inflamed right elbow. Atlanta also promoted left-hander Francisley Bueno from Triple-A Richmond and purchased his contract.