DENVER – In the World Series-winning clubhouse, Red Sox president Larry Lucchino was soaked in champagne, joy and shock.
He knew his club was a world champion for the second time in four years, but it was not until he was surrounded by the partying of that moment that he heard another piece of great news for his franchise — Alex Rodriguez had told the Yankees he was opting out of his contract to become a free agent.
“I am surprised,” Lucchino said. “I expected that the Yankees would make a strong effort to keep him and likely would succeed. But Mr. [Scott] Boras [Rodriguez’s agent] always talks about the importance of free agency and how that is a jewel for players, so maybe I shouldn’t be surprised.”
Lucchino, who famously dubbed the Yankees the “Evil Empire,” said he would not venture where or for how much Rodriguez is going.
“It is very hard to predict the movement of Scott Boras,” Lucchino said. “It is going to be a very interesting ride for Mr. Boras and Mr. Rodriguez.”
Lucchino was a central figure after the 2003 season in trying to engineer a trade to bring Rodriguez to Boston from Texas. That deal fell apart when Rodriguez’s contract could not be reworked to satisfy the Players Association.
Boston has said it would like to keep World Series MVP Mike Lowell, who also is a free agent, as their third baseman. However, there is a strong suspicion that Boston will pursue Rodriguez.
“I am not going to comment on that,” Lucchino said. “I am savoring this moment.”
As for if he thinks his main AL East rival has taken a tremendous hit, Lucchino said, “They haven’t lost him yet.”
Boston star David Ortiz, who’s good buddies with Rodriguez, was asked if he’d push the Red Sox to sign him.
“I don’t know about that. Nothing I can do about it,” Ortiz said. “But he did it for a reason. I wish him the best.”
Sox GM Theo Epstein declined to address any offseason things last night, while principal owner John Henry – when asked about Rodriguez – said, “As far as I know, anything I could say at this point could be considered tampering.”
With Rodriguez opting out, the Rangers — who dealt him to the Yankees before the 2004 season – won’t have to pay approximately $30 million to the Yankees.
“We’re going to wait until we hear officially, but obviously it would be welcome news on our end,” Texas GM Jon Daniels told the AP.
After Boston’s win last night, some fans at Coors chanted “re-sign Lowell” and also added in another chant “Don’t sign A-Rod.”
Said Epstein of Lowell, “I’m not going to talk about any offseason stuff. I hope he’s back.”