SURPRISE, Ariz. -- New Hall of Famer Ivan Rodriguez, making a one-day visit as a special instructor to the Rangers camp, cast a vote for wider inclusion in the Hall of Fame. Rodriguez, who was the subject of unsubstantiated steroid-use rumors after his career, said he would be in favor of players such as Barry Bonds being included in future classes.

"I think these are things baseball needs to put in the past," Rodriguez said when asked about players from the Steroid Era. "It's time to think about the game of baseball. There are others who should be in the Hall of Fame, as well. They had great careers. Why not?"

Rodriguez recently received a private tour of the Hall of Fame after meeting with officials about logistics for the July 30 induction ceremonies. He also signed the spot where his plaque -- which he won't see until the induction -- will be placed. While there, Rodriguez spent extra time lingering on the plaques commemorating fellow Puerto Rican native Roberto Clemente, catcher Johnny Bench and former Rangers teammate Nolan Ryan.

"Signing that wall kind of made it real," he said. "Until then, I was still telling my wife 'I don't believe this.' "

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Ivan (Pudge) Rodriguez celebrates tagging out Tim Raines at the plate during game 3 of the playoffs between the Texas Rangers and New York Yankees in Arlington Friday, October 4, 1996. (John Rhodes / Staff)

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