T.R.'s Memoirs: Ivan Rodriguez batted down those who doubted him in illustrious MLB career (Part II)

Pudge had his best season in 1999 before injuries started taking him off the field and became a concern for the Rangers.

Ivan Rodriguez was the American League MVP in 1999 in a narrow vote over Red Sox ace Pedro Martinez (The Associated Press/Bill Janscha).

Chino Cadahia was the Rangers’ minor-league instructor who gave Ivan Rodriguez his nickname

Rodriguez showed up to minor-league camp in 1989 standing 5-foot-7 and weighing 157 pounds. Cadahia dubbed him Pudge — the nick…