[UPDATE: Due to some complications, the press conference has been delayed until 2 p.m.]
We’ve known since late Monday that the Nationals were signing Ivan Rodriguez to a two-year, $6 million contract, but the deal couldn’t be formally announced until Pudge came to D.C. and passed a physical. Well, he’s now accomplished that, so today at 1 p.m. the Nats will hold a press conference to officially introduce their newest catcher.
SEE RELATED:
MASN will be broadcasting the proceedings live, so those of you near a a TV can watch as Mike Rizzo hands Pudge the obligatory Nats jersey and cap as flashbulbs pop.
Couple of things I want to hear from Rodriguez and from the Nats today…
1. Why is Pudge willing to accept a backup/part-time role when he’s been a starter his entire life? Will he be content to watch from the bench once Jesus Flores is healthy?
2. What does Rodriguez already know about the Nats’ young pitching staff? Can he rattle off names like Lannan, Detwiler and Stammen, or does he still have no idea who those guys are?
3. What exactly is Flores’ status? Does the club truly believe he’ll be ready for spring training, or is there legitimate concern he won’t?
Hopefully we’ll get the answers to those (and more) questions this afternoon.
