Pudge hot; Tigers show interest in Astros catcher | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press
Catcher Pudge Rodriguez starred Friday, going 3-for-3 with two doubles and a towering home run to leftfield. “When Pudge hits in the strike zone, he’s a good hitter — a tremendous hitter,” manager Jim Leyland said.

Leyland said again that he does not expect catcher Vance Wilson to be ready by Opening Day, and it remained unclear who would start the season as Rodriguez’s backup.

The Tigers have mild interest in Houston’s Humberto Quintero but are giving strong consideration to Dane Sardinha, the starting catcher at Triple-A Toledo last year. Sardinha has three things working in his favor: He is already in camp, he has good defensive skills, and he’s familiar with the pitchers.