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Saturday, July 26, 1997

All-Star catcher rejects offer

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - All-Star catcher Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez has rejected the Texas Rangers' latest $38 million offer that would have kept him with the team at least five more years.

Rangers president Tom Schieffer said Friday the offer will not be increased after three rejections and that the team would consider trading the catcher before Thursday's major league deadline. Rodriguez reportedly has been seeking $44 million.

"At this stage, we are disappointed that a deal hasn't come together," Rodriguez's agent, Jeff Moorad, said. "Yet at the same time, I think the most important thing for Pudge and the Rangers is to remain focused on the season.

"Our plans are to continue talking with the club, to pick up discussions with the club in the offseason. That was the original approach that everyone had agreed on at spring training."

Rodriguez, 25, offered a "no comment" when asked about his contract situation before Friday night's game against Chicago.

Schieffer said the club, in order to field a winning team, believes it has to have its resources spread over the whole club and "could run into a problem concentrating too much on one area."

"Basically it came down to a situation where we had to make our best offer, and we felt like this was it," he said.

Moorad said the offer was essentially the same as a month ago and that he and Rodriguez were disappointed the Rangers weren't open to a counterproposal.

"Pudge and I had every intention of reassessing the situation and coming back to them, but unfortunately they closed the door."

Rodriguez is considered the best all-around catcher in the American League. He has appeared in six All-Star games and been awarded five Gold Gloves and three Silver Slugger awards.

Without an agreement, he would become one of next season's hottest free agents. The Rangers said they now have to explore all options, including a possible trade before next week's deadline rather than receive only draft-choice compensation if he leaves as a free agent.

"If we can trade him and feel like we can improve the ballclub for this year or next year, or a combination of those, then we'll have to consider that," Schieffer said.

Said Moorad: "We would hope that they ultimately will respect the fans in Texas and allow him to finish the season and resume discussions with us on a long-term contract arrangement."

In addition to the guaranteed five years, the team's latest offer would have included a club option for two additional years that could push the total value of the package to $54 million. Rodriguez will make $6.65 million this season.

In a letter to Moorad, Schieffer said the contract would have made Rodriguez the highest-paid catcher in baseball and franchise history.

"Even in a world of extraordinary contracts, this is an extraordinary offer," said the letter released by the team.

Moorad said the two remaining years of the deal weren't guaranteed and "represented a confusing, additional element in their proposal."

The plan is similar to the 5-plus-2 deal made with outfielder Juan Gonzalez that has a value of $45.45 million if he plays seven seasons with Texas. Send a Letter to the Editor about This Story | Start or Join A Discussion about This Story
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