New team brings same challenge for Nats C Rodriguez: getting most out of young mound staff

Same old Pudge getting to know new Nationals mates

VIERA, Fla. — Ivan Rodriguez worked the Washington Nationals clubhouse like a savvy D.C. politician glad-handing at a fundraiser. He paused at every locker, shaking hands with new teammates, paying particular attention to the pitchers who will soon be throwing to him.

He warmly greeted veterans and rookies alike, some youngsters awed that a future Hall of Famer was introducing himself to them.

Fellow catcher Jesus Flores beamed: “Years ago, I was watching that guy on TV and now I’m playing on the same team.”

The 38-year-old might not be the offensive threat he once was, but the player known as “Pudge” wasn’t really brought to Washington for his offense: the 13-time Gold Glove winner is expected to mentor Washington’s young pitching staff.