Those who questioned the Tigers' wisdom when they sent Pudge Rodriguez packing last July should see him now.
        Three weeks before the start of the 2009 season, Pudge still doesn't have a job.
        When Rodriguez last appeared in a Tigers' uniform, he was openly unhappy about sharing the catching duties with then heir-apparent Brandon Inge.        Pudge was convinced his best chance to showcase his skills would come playing for a contender.
        Rodriguez got his wish. The Tigers traded him to the Yankees, albeit for reliever Kyle Farnsworth.
        Now, although he still believes, at 37, he is still capable of catching every day, Pudge says he would sign with a team, any team, even if it is only for a backup role.
        There was talk last season that the Tigers might be willing to bring Pudge back for a sixth season in Detroit, provided he was winning to accept substantially less than the $13 million he was making -- possibly as little as one-third that amount.
        But I got the impression at the time, talking to Rodriguez, that he not only wanted more big money, he also wanted the security of another long-term term contact, one that would permit him to play until his preferred retirement age of 40.
        Now, clearly desperate,  Pudge is telling people at the World Baseball Classic that is willing to consider any offer.
        If none is forthcoming, Rodriguez's next appearance will be on the 2014 Hall of Fame ballot.