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Texas Rangers’ Stretch-Drive Recipe Includes a Heapin’ Helping of Pudge

ARLINGTON – There was no formal point when Rangers manager Ron Washington told Pudge Rodriguez that the arrangement made when Rodriguez was acquired from Houston – that business about playing once or twice a week – was passé.

The Hall of Famer turned fill-in is the Rangers’ regular catcher again, trying to help the Rangers return to the playoffs – which they haven’t done since his first trip through Arlington.

Asked if he has been rejuvenated by his return to Arlington, Rodriguez said, “I’m glad to be back here. It’s nice to be with this team, young team. It’s nice to be back where I started my career. We’re playing very good, so I’m very pleased.”

The 37-year-old hit .251 in 93 games with the Houston when he agreed to the trade and rode up I-45 on Aug. 18, soon after Jarrod Saltalamacchia was placed on the disabled list. In the Rangers’ 21 games since, Rodriguez has played in 14 – caught 11. He has started 13 of the last 17 games. Since returning to a Rangers uniform, he’s hitting .283.

He’s not about to complain about the increased work load.

“When I came here, they were playing really good. We’re still playing good,” he said. “I’m a contributor right now. When they give me the opportunity, I’m playing. I’ve been playing pretty much every day, and that’s what I want to do. I think I can help with my part, and everybody’s doing their part.”

For Washington, it simply became a matter of penciling Rodriguez’s name on the lineup card more often.

“I don’t see his skills deteriorating,” Washington said. “Maybe he doesn’t have the quick bat that he had when he was a youngster. But I tell you what – you watch him catch. He’s a catcher. You watch him handle pitchers. You watch him handle umpires. We were very lucky that he was able to come over here and help our youngsters.”

Rodriguez explained how he deals with umpires: “You just establish a good relationship. I respect all of them, and I talk to them. I ask them … very relaxed … when I think the pitch is close. We just try to keep it nice. And they respect me the same way. I get along with all of them.”

In the 1990s, he reached the post-season with Gonzalez and Clark and Rogers. Now he’s trying to do it with Young and Kinsler and Feldman.

“I’ve been in the playoffs and the World Series, and this club is very special,” he said. ”I think we have a good chance. We’ve just got to stay positive and play the game hard.

“This is a very different team … a younger team … but both [past and current Rangers teams] come and do the job. That’s all that matters. This team comes ready to play, just like we did a long time ago. Play and don’t think about anybody else.”