DJRider
11-14-2007, 03:31 PM
http://blogs.trb.com/sports/baseball/yankees/blog/
November 14, 2007
HANK STEINBRENNER: A-Rod wants to return
Alex Rodriguez has told the Yankees that he would like remain in pinstripes, Hank Steinbrenner told Newsday this afternoon.
A-Rod, in a statement on www.arod.com posted at 3:27 this afternoon, said he has spoken directly to the Steinbrenner family. He is believed to have spoken to Hank and Hal Steinbrenner today.
“It appears at this point that he wants to be a Yankee.” Steinbrenner told Newsday in a cell phone conversation just a few minutes ago.
Despite so vigorously stating they would not negotiate with A-Rod after he opted out, the Yankees are entertaining this surprising new development because Rodriguez is willing to take sacrifices.
“The reason we didn’t entertain it in the first place is because of the opt out and the loss of the Rangers money and so forth,” Steinbrenner said. “But at this point it appears he’s willing to make sacrifices to be a Yankee. Basically that’s it in a nutshell.”
In his statement, Rodriguez referenced potential sacrifices -- which would include taking less money to account for the $21 million subsidary from the Rangers he cost them by opting out.
“I also understand that I had to respond to certain Yankees concerns, and I was receptive and understanding of that situation," Rodriguez said. "Cynthia and I have since spoken directly with the Steinbrenner family. During these healthy discussions, both sides were able to share honest feelings and hopes with one another, and we expect to continue this dialogue with the Yankees over the next few days.”
The next big obstacle is the involvement of agent Scott Boras in potential negotiations.
Asked if the Yankees would have any trepidation dealing with Boras after everything that has gone down, Steinbrenner said, “All that’s between Alex and Boras. That’s not my concern. We’re going to do what we’re going to do. That’s going to be based on what Alex wants to do. As far as his dealings with his agent, you’re going to have ask him about that. That’s not my concern.”
Boras has not immediately returned a call for comment.
November 14, 2007
HANK STEINBRENNER: A-Rod wants to return
Alex Rodriguez has told the Yankees that he would like remain in pinstripes, Hank Steinbrenner told Newsday this afternoon.
A-Rod, in a statement on www.arod.com posted at 3:27 this afternoon, said he has spoken directly to the Steinbrenner family. He is believed to have spoken to Hank and Hal Steinbrenner today.
“It appears at this point that he wants to be a Yankee.” Steinbrenner told Newsday in a cell phone conversation just a few minutes ago.
Despite so vigorously stating they would not negotiate with A-Rod after he opted out, the Yankees are entertaining this surprising new development because Rodriguez is willing to take sacrifices.
“The reason we didn’t entertain it in the first place is because of the opt out and the loss of the Rangers money and so forth,” Steinbrenner said. “But at this point it appears he’s willing to make sacrifices to be a Yankee. Basically that’s it in a nutshell.”
In his statement, Rodriguez referenced potential sacrifices -- which would include taking less money to account for the $21 million subsidary from the Rangers he cost them by opting out.
“I also understand that I had to respond to certain Yankees concerns, and I was receptive and understanding of that situation," Rodriguez said. "Cynthia and I have since spoken directly with the Steinbrenner family. During these healthy discussions, both sides were able to share honest feelings and hopes with one another, and we expect to continue this dialogue with the Yankees over the next few days.”
The next big obstacle is the involvement of agent Scott Boras in potential negotiations.
Asked if the Yankees would have any trepidation dealing with Boras after everything that has gone down, Steinbrenner said, “All that’s between Alex and Boras. That’s not my concern. We’re going to do what we’re going to do. That’s going to be based on what Alex wants to do. As far as his dealings with his agent, you’re going to have ask him about that. That’s not my concern.”
Boras has not immediately returned a call for comment.