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Update: The Chicago Cubs are in heavy negotiations to sign Ivan Rodriguez. December 12, 2002 -- Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez has played his last game in a Texas Rangers uniform. The perennial all-star was not offered arbitration by the Rangers and is now a free agent. As a result, the Rangers will not be able to sign I-Rod to a Major League contract until May 1, 2003 and will not receive compensation in the form of amateur draft picks for either player. "This was a very tough decision and certainly one that will be painful for the fans," Rangers owner Tom Hicks said. "Ivan Rodriguez has been an outstanding performer for the Texas Rangers organization for the last 12 seasons. With his ten All-Star appearances, ten Gold Gloves, and 1999 Most Valuable Player Award, he has earned his reputation as one of the top catchers of all-time." I-Rod, now 31, broke in with the Rangers at the tender age of 19 and played in 1,479 games with Texas and is a career .305 hitter with 215 home runs and 829 RBIs. He also won 10 Gold Gloves and an AL MVP award in 1999. "It's hard for me to imagine Pudge Rodriguez in a uniform other than the Texas Rangers. On and off the field, Pudge has provided a lifetime of memories," said Hicks. Rodriguez will get a $2 million severance fee from the Rangers.
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