It's Official : A-Rod's Got An Unlucky Number



To the surprise of no one, Bud Selig has approved the Rodriguez/Soriano trade and A-Rod will have a new number to go with his new position ; #13. No. 3 was retired by the Yankees some years ago, but I can't remember who wore it, Steve Balboni or Ken Phelps.

Said the Commissioner,:

I am very concerned about the large amount of cash consideration involved in the transaction, and the length of time over which the cash is being paid. I want to make it abundantly clear to all Clubs that I will not allow cash transfers of this magnitude to become the norm. However, given the unique circumstances, including the size, length and complexity of Mr. Rodriguez' contract and the quality of the talent moving in both directions, I have decided to approve the transaction.

So I guess that's the close friendship with John Henry and Tom Werner down the toilet, then.

According to Newsday's Ken Davidoff and Jon Heyman, the Red Sox made a last ditch attempt over the weekend to revive the A-Rod for Manny trade that was pronounced dead at Christmas.

Multiple baseball sources said the Red Sox reached out to both the Texas Rangers and Rodriguez Saturday. In these discussions, the Red Sox offered to take Rodriguez and his bulky contract "as is" - a stunning reversal from their previous position.

According to a source, a mutual friend of both Rodriguez and the Red Sox approached the All-Star on Boston's behalf. The acquaintance suggested that, unlike in the failed December negotiations, the team might be willing to take on Rodriguez's entire contract. In December, the Red Sox had insisted that Rodriguez take a pay cut.

Saturday, Rodriguez enthusiastically told the go-between, "tell [Red Sox president] Larry Lucchino to - off!"

Lucchino did not return a phone call for comment yesterday. Through a Red Sox spokesman, general manager Theo Epstein denied the Red Sox made an 11th hour push for Rodriguez. However, he conceded that there might have been communication between the mutual friend and Rodriguez.

Posted: Mon - February 16, 2004 at 05:59 PM      

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