Who's better, Gerald Laird or Ivan (Pudge) Rodriguez

they both suck

Pudge was better now and before. Laird is an underrated above catcher.

Now, it is harder to determine. l would have to give a slight edge to Pudge since their offensive skills are a push, but Pudge still is a great defender.

Gerald Laird. Although he is only under contract for 2 more years, he will be more productive than Pudge. He will also be cheaper. Pudge is still okay. But he is passed his best playing days. Both of them are about average at best though.

Laird now, pudge in the past. l think they both will go to the HOF

Pudge is better. l do not know much about Laird, but l do not think he is nearly the caliber that Pudge is.

l think pudge cuz of his stats but laird is cheaper

It depends. Are you talking about now or as a career? As of now, it is kind of a toss up. Both are not the greatest catch and throw guys, salthough pudge' past stats still keep baserunners from running a lot. Neither one is a .300 hitter (anymore at least). In terms of a career though, Pudge is going to the Hall Of Fame, Laird is not.

l say Pudge if we're talking about entire career.. as of right now.. uhm l still say Pudge although Laird is pretty nice too :D

It is true, l Rod had a bad run with the Yankees.the worst patch of a brilliant career.

He is way above Laird in every department, except that Laird could probably throw out more runners over a season.

Pudge is a lock in first ballot HOF 'er.Laird will probably not even get a single vote.

Laird will play more games & might have a better year statistically, but a savvy manager might limit l Rod is playing time, he might out hit Laird playing in less games.

Put 'em both on a one year deal. l take l Rod.

l assume u do not mean career-wise, since Pudge is the obvious choice.

But I'd take Laird right now. They were nearly identicle last season, but Laird is nine years younger.

Pudge is on the downside of his career & catchers decline very quickly, so he is less likely to emulate what he did last season.

To compare their 2008 campaigns:

Pudge: 398 AB
Laird: 344 AB

Pudge: .276/.319/.394
Laird: .276/.329/.398

Pudge: 7 HR
Laird: 6 HR

Pudge: 23/67 K/BB ratio
Laird: 23/63 K/BB ratio

Pudge: 52 SB allowed, caught 25 stealing
Laird: 53 SB allowed, caught 21 steaking

And the game-calling ability is terrible for both.

You'd really be splitting hairs when deciding who was better last season, but Laird will be better next year because Pudge has lost some ability to field & is losing even more range behind the plate.

Laird is not declining & that is why he will be better.

For the Detroit Tigers..PUDGE! We miss him & the fans want his leadership & his skill behind the plate back in Mo Town. Why we signed a mediocre catcher who has never done as well as Pudge even when Pudge was not at his best is beyond me, especially with Pudge available. Laird is just a fill in until we get a REAL MLB catcher. The Governor of Michigan has destroyed our state & sports teams r our ONLY bright spot..so GET PUDGE BACK IN THE D! & we just might be World Series contenders again.