Pudge joins Tigers

WASHINGTON (REUTERS) — The Detroit Tigers announced the signing of World Series-winning catcher Ivan Rodriguez to a four-year, $40 million contract Monday.

The Tigers had been in negotiations with Rodriguez, the MVP of last year’s NLCS and the Marlins’ most recognizable star, for several weeks. The contract has an option for a fifth year. Rodriguez made $10 million playing for the Florida Marlins last year.

Nicknamed “Pudge,” Rodriguez suffered a herniated disc in his lower back, restricting his appearances in 2002, and his contract includes termination clauses if he is on the disabled list in excess of five weeks because of a lower-spine injury. He had to pass a medical examination by a spinal specialist last week before joining the Tigers.

Detroit is coming off a dismal season in which it set an American League record for losses (119) and finished 76 games under .500.

“Everybody can have bad seasons,” the 32-year-old Rodriguez said Monday. “Unfortunately, the Detroit Tigers had a bad season last year, but it’s already over.”

Rodriguez hit .297 with 16 homers and 85 RBI last season. He is a 10-time gold-glover and a 10-time All-Star but hasn’t won either award since 2001.

He has been to the postseason four times — three with the Rangers in addition to last season. The Tigers haven’t finished with a winning record in more than a decade and haven’t been to the postseason since 1997. But Rodriguez is looking to the future.

“This is 2004 and I look forward to bringing this team into a level of what they are capable to do, to play the game hard and do our best.”