Ivan Rodriguez could someday join that list.

Former National Ivan Rodriguez was always regarded as a strong leader on the field. Could he get back in the dugout and manage someday? (Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE)

Rodriguez recently sat down with Josiah Schlatter of NBC Sports, mostly to discuss what he’s been up to since retiring from Major League Baseball and some of the highlights from his Hall of Fame career. One of the questions that came up pertained to Rodriguez’s future and whether the game of baseball would play a prominent role – specifically, whether he’d consider a managerial or coaching role in that future:

That’s something I could try. I might do it later on. It’s too early right now, but it’s something that could really interest me down the road.

Known as one of the greatest defensive catchers in baseball history and arguably one of the best offensive threats behind the plate, Rodriguez spent 21 years in the Major Leagues, finishing with a career batting line of .296/.334/.464 in over 10,000 plate appearances. He added 311 HR, 14 All Star Game appearances, 13 Gold Glove Awards, an MVP Award (in 1999), and a World Series (2003 with Florida).

The former National (he spent the final two seasons of his career in Washington, batting .255/.291/.341 in 558 plate appearances) has the on field credentials, there’s no denying that, but it could all boil down to whether he has the desire one day to get back in the dugout.

Former Washington Nationals catcher

Over the next week or so, many will recall Pudge’s amazing baseball gifts. His 2,844 hits. His 311 home runs. His incredible defense. His powerful arm. His deft handling of a pitching staff.

I will remember him as a man of class and excellence who, by his arrival, immediately transformed the Nationals from joke to legitimate. It is no coincidence that Mike Rizzo’s first free agent signing as Washington’s general manager was Ivan Rodriguez. He respects Pudge so much that, as he told CSN Washington Nationals beat writer and Nats Insider blog author Mark Zuckerman, he has a Pudge jersey hanging in his office.

For me, three memories of Pudge are stored in my bank of wonderful moments since baseball blessedly returned to Washington eight years ago. The first was the 2010 Nationals fan fest (Nats management, please hold this event again next year for crying out loud!). Pudge had just been signed and agreed to appear at Nationals Park.

My then 7-year old son and I decided to go. We got into Pudge’s autograph line too late, however, and he had to depart for another commitment. But before he left, he signed at least 50 photo cards so everyone who missed him could get one. On his way out, he looked over at my son, nodded to him and smiled. What a moment!

That day and ever day as a Washington National, Pudge exuded confidence and presence — even greatness. No one else on the Nationals seemed to have his quiet assurance. From his first day he seemed to make every teammate better.

The second memory was a Nationals game in 2010. When the PA announcer asked fans to stand and cheer for the wounded veterans attending the game, the fans, in their usual show of class, did so. So did Pudge! He took off his mask, turned to the vets, pointed to them, applauded longer than anyone else, and thanked them. What class! For the first time in a long time, I stood proud as a Nationals fan.

The third and final memory is July 2, 2011. The Nationals and Pittsburgh Pirates were playing a single admission doubleheader. The stands were absolutely packed and it was a typical hot, sweaty day in D.C.

Surprisingly, many Pirate fans sauntered around Nationals Park. My young son and oldest son, home from college, sat in front of a particularly loud and vulgar group of young Buccos’ fans. They were “feeling their oats” from Pittsburgh’s Clint Hurdle-led vault to the top of the NL Central and realistic hopes for their first winning season since the time when Jim Leyland’s hair wasn’t gray.

Sure enough, Pittsburgh won the first game, mainly on a game-saving catch at the wall by Andrew McCutchen of a Danny Espinosa near game-changing home run. Pudge started game one and went a quiet one for four.

My sons and I moved to better seats with nicer fans for game two. Despite some excellent pitching by John Lannan, the Pirates led 3-2 going into the bottom of the eighth. With super-closer Joel Hanrahan looming, it was do or die for the Nationals.

With runners on first and second and one out, lead runner Brian Bixler (pinch running for Michael Morse) took off for third. He should have been out by 15 feet as he got a terrible jump, but the Pittsburgh catcher’s throw bounced off of Bixler and into foul ground. Super-fast, Bixler scored with ease even though the ball bounced only about 15 feet away. Tie game.

Wilson Ramos walked, but Ian Desmond struck out, bringing up the pitcher’s spot. Davey Johnson had already used most of his bench, so he sent Pudge up to pinch-hit. He fouled off pitch after pitch from tough Pirate set-up man Chris Resop.

Then, bam, an inside-out swing, a line drive single to right. Rick Ankiel scored from third with what proved to be the winning run. Pudge had done it! My sons and I leaped and yelled for joy. Drew Storen closed out the win and, for one more day, Pudge Rodriguez was the hero.

Enjoy your retirement, Pudge. Hopefully, my sons and I and a whole lot of Nationals fans will see you at Cooperstown in 2017.

February 23, 2012; Melbourne, FL, USA; Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos (3) works out during camp at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-US PRESSWIRE

Last season, Ramos established himself as a budding star under the tutelage of certain future Hall of Famer Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez. In only 435 plate appearances, he hit 15 home runs and had a .334 on-base percentage and .779 OPS, (5th best among National League catchers with at least 400 plate appearances in 2011). That mark was 3rd best among Nationals regulars, behind only Michael Morse and Ryan Zimmerman. His on-base percentage was also 3rd best on the Nats last season.

Until his injury problems shelved him for nearly three seasons, Flores was the presumed starting catcher in Washington, a budding star in his own right. His dominant statistics in Venezuelan winter ball this season appear to foretell his return to complete health. He recently told the Washington baseball writers that he considers himself 100% and good enough to start, either with the Nationals or another club.

So, with Ramos, 24, and Flores, 27 on board, the Nationals catching situation in 2012 seems settled. However, neither player’s potential 2012 performance is question-free. Ramos must avoid injury and second-year problems that cause some young players to regress. He no longer has Pudge, his childhood hero and mentor, on board to assist him either. (Although that could change – read on.)

Flores’ talent has never been an issue. Staying on the field is. He has never played a full season, even as a back-up, save 2007, when the Nationals had to keep him on board after snatching him from the Mets in the Rule 5 draft.

When healthy, Flores can punish major league pitching. Prior to his injuries he also performed well in clutch situations. His defense remains questionable, however. He has thrown out only 29% of attempted stealers in his brief major league career. If he remains healthy, his bat will keep him in the big leagues.

How about minor league options? The third catcher on the 40-man roster is Jhonatan Solano, age 26. In 2011, Solano had a nice year in 78 games for the Syracuse Chiefs, Washington’s AAA affiliate. He hit for a .713 OPS, but threw out only 26% of attempted base stealers. Those numbers are the opposite of his earlier performance in the minors. In six seasons, covering 1,725 plate appearances, Solano has a pedestrian .650 OPS, and a 33% caught stealing rate. He projects as the consummate 4-A player. If Ramos or Flores suffers an extended injury the talent drop-off to Solano is steep.

February 23, 2012; Melbourne, FL, USA; Washington Nationals catcher Jhonatan Solano (23) works out along with the other catchers during camp at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-US PRESSWIRE

At AAA, Carlos Maldonado (33), who saw brief time in DC in 2010 and Beau Seabury (27) are on the current Syracuse roster. Both are defensive specialists, with little to offer at bat. Maldonado’s OPS in 16 minor league seasons is .687. Seabury’s is .612. Maldonado’s caught stealing rate is 30%, while Seabury’s is a much more impressive 41%.

Harrisburg (AA-level) currently has no catchers on its roster. Potomac (High A) has one, another defensive specialist, Sandy Leon. Only 23 years-old, he has 1,280 plate appearances over five seasons. His OPS is .674. He has a cannon arm. In 2011, he caught 53% of runners attempting to steal. His career rate is 46%.

Hagerstown (Low A) has four catchers on its spring roster. Two are plodders, Cole Leonida (23 years-old, .576 OPS, 29% caught stealing rate in two seasons) and Sam Palace (25, .669 OPS, 14%), who will likely never see AA, let alone Washington. The other two, David Freitas and Adrian Nieto, are excellent prospects, who should climb to higher ranks on the Washington farm in 2012.

At Hagerstown last season, Freitas hit for a .859 OPS, with a .409 on-base percentage. He has some work to do defensively, as he caught only 28% of base stealers. Nieto, injured much of the season, saw limited time at Auburn (rookie league), Hagerstown, and Potomac. He performed well (.810 OPS, 32% caught stealing rate).

Looking over this contingent, the Nationals catching situation, especially if Ramos suffers injury, is worrisome for a team with playoff aspirations. Ramos is the only “proven” major leaguer in the organization. He has all of 1 ½ years of experience. Flores may become an excellent #2 backstop, but he remains a question mark.

The other catchers are either of limited talent (Solano, Maldonado, Seabury) or will not be ready for the majors until 2013, at best (Leon, Freitas, Nieto).

Mike Rizzo cannot be oblivious to this tenuous situation. Expect the Nationals’ General Manager to address this issue before the end of spring training. He will likely scour the waiver wires or make a low-level trade, especially if a power-hitting left-handed batting catcher with decent defensive abilities is available (think skills similar to former Nat Brian Schneider). If Ramos or Flores go down with a serious injury, expect Rizzo to push speed dial to get Pudge on the phone.

One other intriguing possibility – should (once?) Bryce Harper makes the Nationals’ roster, he becomes a ready-made emergency catcher since he played the position well in high school and junior college.

Nationals’ fans certainly anticipate such desperate measures will not be needed. They hope Ramos and Flores remain healthy and perform up to expectations. Anything less and the Nationals season may be disappointing for want of major league-ready depth at catcher.