Tiger's not keeping Pudge ?

If the Mets decide not to re-sign Paul Lo Duca during the off season and look outside of the organization, it appears that the best available catcher will not be pursued by his old team. The Tigers may decline Pudge Rodriguez's option, making him available at the commencement of the free agent season. It's been speculated that Lo Duca has burnt bridges with the front office and aside from those personality conflicts is on the downside of his career. Ramon Castro isn't seen as a everyday catcher and the team doesn't have a viable option in the farm system. MLive.com reports on Rodriguez's contract situation and that the team may look to make a trade for a veteran catcher such as Ramon Hernandez ( a player we looked at two years ago). The article identifies the Mets as one of the suitors if Pudge goes free agent........

The 35 y/o played in 129 games in which he hit .281 with 11 HRs, 31 doubles and 63 RBIs which was considered an offensively down year for him. He is a lifetime .303 hitter and fielding percentage of .991.

it appears that the Tigers are prepared to decline their $13 million 2008 option on Ivan Rodriguez's contract. While there were also hints that the Tigers would try to work out a deal to bring Rodriguez back for less than $13 million, it's unlikely he would agree to that. source MLive.com