‘Pudge’ returns to Rangers in trade with Astros

[the noise factor]

The 14-time All-Star catcher who started his career with the Rangers at 19 was acquired in a trade Tuesday with the Houston Astros for minor league pitcher Matt Nevarez and two players to be named.

The 37-year-old Rodriguez signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Astros in March and went on to hit .251 with eight home runs and 34 RBIs in 93 games. But the Astros have faded in the NL playoff chase, while the Rangers went into Tuesday night’s game against Minnesota with a one-game lead in the AL wild-card race.

Rodriguez is one of the most popular players in Rangers history, winning 10 of his 13 Gold Gloves with them. He helped lead the franchise’s only three playoff teams in 1996, 1998 and 1999, when he won the AL MVP award.

Rodriguez caught 1,426 games in Texas, second in club history to Jim Sundberg’s 1,495. He hit .305 with 215 home runs and 829 RBIs with the Rangers.

I am sure he is happy to be back in Texas. But can he help the Rangers in their quest for a Championship? I am not sure.

[Johnny Probst]

I think he can help indirectly -- more through leadership and almost being a player-coach down the stretch. From what I know, he's cool with being a backup.

[EaglesLinc]

I certainly do not think this move will hurt the Rangers. Anything or anyone they can bring in to give them a spark at this point makes sense to me.