It appears that Pudge has volunteered to play first base, or any other position for that matter. Rodriguez just wants to stay in the Tiger lineup, and if that means playing another position when he isn’t catching, he’s all for it.

“Give me a glove,” Pudge said Thursday morning before a game he was scheduled to catch. “Trust me, I can play anywhere.”

While the thought of Pudge playing first base is intriguing, it only becomes practical if he hits more like the 2004 version than the 2005 version. He’s off to a good start this season, even after the 0-11 the last two days. However, if it is last year’s offensive version of Rodriguez, there really isn’t a reason to try and keep his bat in the lineup.

And while Chris Shelton will probably need a day off before Dmitri Young is able to play the field, I question having a 5′ 8″ first baseman. While he’s very athletic, his stature limits his reach. Then again, the only real alternative right now is Carlos Guillen who’s first base experience includes the WBC and one inning today.