MIAMI, 5 November 2003 — Just nine days after helping the Florida Marlins to win the World Series, catcher Ivan Rodriguez was back on the market on Monday, filing for free agency.
Joining Florida last season as a free agent signing a one-year $10 million deal, the 31-year Rodriguez provided a steadying veteran presence on a young Marlins team.
He helped them rock the baseball establishment by beating the Chicago Cubs to win the National League pennant before capping a Cinderella campaign with a World Series victory over the New York Yankees.
The All-Star catcher batted .297 with 16 home runs and 85 RBIs last season but saved his best for the playoffs where he hit .313 with three homers and 17 RBIs earning National League Championship Series MVP honors.
Rated one of the top defensive catchers in the major leagues, Rodriguez has thrown out 49 percent of potential base stealers in his 11-year career.
Other players to file for free agency on Monday included Atlanta Braves outfielder Darren Bragg, Cincinnati Reds pitcher Todd Van Poppel, Marlins outfielders Todd Hollandsworth and Gerald Williams, Houston Astros pitcher Ron Villone, New York Yankees pitchers Antonio Osuna and Gabe White and Tampa Bay first baseman Travis Lee.
Players have until Nov. 9 to file. Once they have filed they can only negotiate with their former clubs until Nov. 10.
White Sox Name Ozzie Guillen Manager
The Chicago White Sox on Monday named Ozzie Guillen, a three-time Major League Baseball All-Star who played shortstop for the team for 13 seasons, the 37th manager in franchise history. Guillen received a two-year contract with a club option for a third season. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The hiring completes a whirlwind autumn for Guillen, who is a little more than a week removed from earning a World Series ring as third base coach of the Marlins.
The 39-year-old Guillen lacks managerial experience and has been a major league coach for just three seasons.
