Ivan Rodriguez held his retirement press conference Monday afternoon at the Ballpark in Arlington. Rodriguez was joined by his agent, Scott Boras, and several former Rangers teammates, including the rarely-seen Rafael Palmeiro. The 21-year major league catcher was introduced by former Rangers GM Tom Grieve and current Rangers president Nolan Ryan before making a short, emotional statment. He amassed 2,844 hits, 311 home runs and 13 Gold Gloves in his big league career.

Ivan Rodriguez has officially announced his retirement. It was first reported by Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald Wednesday and now is official following a press release from the Rangers. Pudge will be honored at a ceremony in Arlington on Monday. A sure Hall of Famer, Rodriguez finishes his career with 2,844 hits, 311 homers and a .296/.344/.464 slash line to go along with 13 Gold Gloves.

According to Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star, the Royals have not made an offer to Ivan Rodriguez. CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reported Saturday afternoon that the Royals proposed a deal to Pudge that included an invitation to spring training. But that's apparently not the case. Kansas City will likely use Brayan Pena as its primary catcher until Salvador Perez is recovered from knee surgery.

According to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, the Royals have submitted a contract offer to Ivan Rodriguez that he has yet to accept.

Buster Olney of ESPN.com reports that the Rays are not considering signing free agent catcher Ivan Rodriguez. Pudge isn't ready to retire, but he's having trouble finding someone willing to give him a shot. The Rays are currently slated to open the year with Jose Molina behind the plate, so they could certainly use an upgrade, but evidently they don't feel Rodriguez is it. Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reported a couple weeks ago that the D'Backs had some interest in the future Hall of Famer, but it doesn't appear that they're close to signing him.

Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com was told by one Mets' source that the club will not sign Ivan Rodriguez. Mike Puma of the New York Post was told by a Mets' source that the club hasn't ruled out signing Rodriguez at some point, but Rubin was told my multiple sources that such a move is unlikely. Instead, the club appears content going with either Mike Nickeas or Rob Johnson as Josh Thole's primary backup.

According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, the Mets haven't ruled out Ivan Rodriguez as a backup for Josh Thole.

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports that Ivan Rodriguez has fielded inquiries from a few teams, including the Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks are known to be in the market for some catching depth, so it could be a decent match. Rodriguez is seeking a chance for "real playing time," but it seems unlikely he'll get it at this point. The 40-year-old batted .218/.281/.323 with two home runs and 19 RBI over 137 plate appearances last season and threw out 52 percent (13-for-25) of attempted basestealers.

Ivan Rodriguez's agent Scott Boras confirmed Wednesday night that his client won't return to the Nationals. "I think their plan at the moment excludes him," said Boras. The Nationals will have Jesus Flores as the backup to Wilson Ramos, which means Rodriguez will have to find an opportunity elsewhere. Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post speculates that the Marlins could be a fit, while Jon Heyman of SI.com pegs the Rays and Mets as two potential destinations. Rodriguez, 40, batted .218/.281/.323 with two home runs and 19 RBI over 137 plate appearances this season and threw out 52 percent (13-for-25) of attempted basestealers. He would be a fine mentor for a young catcher.

Ivan Rodriguez wants to play in 2012. And he's already drawing interest, according to SI.com's Jon Heyman, from the Twins, Cardinals, Phillies, Blue Jays, Orioles, Dodgers and Marlins. Pudge, who turns 40 years old in two weeks, batted .218/.281/.323 with two home runs and 19 RBI in 44 games this year for the Nationals. He'll probably land a one-year deal.