A January signing helped the Miami Marlins win the World Series

The Miami Marlins once won a World Series thanks to a January signing. The signing by the then Florida Marlins was none other than catcher Iván Rodríguez. "Pudge" became the leader that the team needed and was a crucial part of the memorable championship run in 2003. I also recommend looking at other stars of that team and at that great run in the first place. Let's take a look back at a great time for the Miami Marlins. A time that reminds us that anything can happen and that games are played for a reason.

Iván Rodríguez helped the Miami Marlins win the 2003 World Series

Iván Rodriguez was an elite catcher during the 1990's. During his time with the Texas Rangers from 1991 to 2002, he played in 10 All-Star games, won 6 Gold Gloves and received MVP votes in 4 different seasons, winning the AL MVP award in one of them. That MVP year by the way saw him bat .332/.356/.558 with 35 home runs and 113 RBI in 144 games and 600 AB in 1999. That's amazing production for anyone, but for a catcher?! Back problems ended Pudge's time in Texas and he sat on the free agent market into January 2003.

The Miami Marlins (well Florida Marlins) had a 79-83 W-L record in 2002 but were hoping to turn the corner in 2003. Aa veteran leader like Iván Rodriguez seemed to make a lot of sense for The Fish. He signed a 1 year/$10 million deal to prove that he can stay healthy and productive. It was a low-risk high-reward signing for the team and it played out as perfectly as it possibly could have.

Iván Rodriguez batted .297/.369/.474 with 16 home runs and 85 RBI in 144 games and 511 AB. He received MVP votes and produced a 4.5 WAR. The Miami Marlins finished the season with a 91-71 W-L record and made the playoffs as the NL Wild Card team. The Fish beat the 100-61 San Francisco Giants 3-1 in the NLDS; the Chicago Cubs 4-3 in the NLCS and then the 101-61 New York Yankees 4-2 in the World Series.

Iván Rodriguez batted .313/.390/.522 with 3 home runs and 17 RBI in 17 playoff games and 67 AB. He also won the NLCS MVP award. It was a perfect signing with a perfect result.