Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez is set to tie the all-time catching record tonight in Arlington.  The Dallas Morning News and Houston Chronicle both have decent articles on Pudge’s career and his approach at Calton Fisk’s record of 2,226 games caught.

__________

Levine writes about the progress of Chris Johnson at Round Rock.  (link)

__________

Pinwheel has a bad case of man-love for Hunter Pence.  (link)

(where the only consistency is inconsistency)

Round and round and round he goes, where Kaz’ll bat, nobody knows…

Cooper said Matsui will get the nod as starter at second base when he returns. (Astros.com)

“He’s our regular second baseman,” …”We need him to play at a real high level. [If] he plays at a high level, we’re going to be pretty good with he and [Michael] Bourn at the top [of the order].”

But Cooper said Matsui will hit near the bottom of the order when he gets back. …

“It’s pretty hard to take Tejada out of that slot after all this time,” Cooper said. “He’s been really swinging the bat real well in the No. 2 hole. [Matsui] will have to play at a high level, though, for us to be really good.”

Does Cooper evens listens to the drivel that he is spouting?

[Should Matsui start when he returns? Talk about it in the TZ]

Which leads us to the curious case of Wandy and the mysterious battery mate.

_____

Catching Wandy

Over the last few months, Coop could not say enough of the all-Rodriguez battery:

Cooper credited the dynamic relationship between Rodriguez and catcher Ivan Rodriguez as one of the keys to the pitcher’s success. “I’ll tell you, the guy who’s squatting and catching for him has been a godsend for him,” Cooper said. “They really connect, and Wandy has been as good as any pitcher in the game right now. He is really throwing the ball well. “They’re speaking the same language, and it gives him confidence that the guy back there is putting down the right fingers.” (Astros.com)

Wandy was equally enthusiastic about the pairing:

“I’ve learned a lot from Pudge,” Wandy Rodriguez said. “He’s a very smart catcher. And with him I’m not afraid to throw any pitch at any count because I trust the way he calls games.” *** “I’ve learned to have more confidence in myself,” Wandy said. “He’s given me a lot of confidence this season. For a player of his caliber in the top category of players in history, he makes it easy to feel comfortable with him. “He’s like a friend, and that has given me more confidence.” (Chron.com)

Yet despite Wandy’s confidence in Pudge, in addition to his own comments on the benefits of the pairing, Coop decided have Quintero catch Wandy in his previous start against the Cubs (and may do so in his start today against the Rangers). When asked about the decision, Coop commented:

“[Wandy] and Pudge had worked together for 10 or 12 starts, and I just said a change might be what’s needed for awhile,” Cooper said. “I’m going to start it today and see what happens. It’s not something Pudge is really happy with but I understand that. He wants to be an everyday guy and he and Wandy have had a good run. (Tag’s Lines)

[Which of course was contrary to his “Why tinker with it?” approach that he took when defending his decision not to bat Bourn in the leadoff spot. NYCU] http://www.spikesnstars.com/2009/05/16/why-tinker-with-it%e2%80%9d/#more-3622

So which is it Coop, has Pudge suddenly lost the confidence of his young protégé in favor of Quintero, or do you simply not have a clue as to what the hell you are doing?

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch is reporting that the Co-ards have an eye on Tejada: (Link)

The Cardinals have expanded their search for an additional hitter to include Houston Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada. Tejada fits the profile of what the Cardinals are seeking — an offensive deterrent capable of playing multiple positions. The Astros are experiencing financial problems and could part with a player owed $13 million this season.

Are the Astros experiencing financial problems? Who knows. Ticket sales are down and there have been rumors since the off season that Wade was looking to move Tejada’s salary. That said, 4.5 games out of the division lead trading a team favorite to a division rival – not a friggin’ chance there buddy.