Domo Arigato, Mr. Rodriguez

CBS SportsLine reports that Pudge Rodriguez may be looking to the East, now that contract talks with the Orioles have soured. His agent is quoted as saying, "I think at this point our focus is slowly but surely turning to Japan."

Rodriguez is still a pretty good hitter and would not be liability if he DH'ed or played first. That is, if he is healthy, which he has not been for an entire season since 1999. Still, I am surprised that no one besides Baltimore tried to acquire the guy. He may pull a Bob Horner/Cecil Fielder deal: 1) Go to Japan for one year. 2) Put up compelling number (and in Rodriguez' case, show that he can stay healthy an entire season). 3) Triumphantly return to the States.

It is odd that a guy, who until recently was a sure-fire Hall-of-Famer in many's eyes (and a media darling), can no longer get a job in the majors. That would be like Greg Maddux becoming a free agent and no one making him an offer! No, wait that happened.