When Alex Rodriguez agrees to meet with the Yankees, he can expect to receive a four- to five-year contract offer that, combined with the three years remaining on Rodriguez’s deal, will increase his average annual salary of $25.2 million.
The Yankees were receptive to agent Scott Boras’ request for a meeting but they insist Rodriguez attend the sit down, something the Yankees believe Boras is advising Rodriguez not to do.
“Nothing that I am aware of,” Boras said yesterday when asked if a date has been set to talk to the Yankees.
The Yankees understand they will have to give Rodriguez a raise if they want him to return, but according to a person with knowledge of the Yankees’ plans, they aren’t prepared to go to the $30 million a year Boras believes is out there for his client, who next month will cop his second AL MVP in three years. Nor are the Yankees going anywhere close to the 12 years Boras has mentioned for his 32-year-old client.
With $30 million coming from the Rangers across the next three years, the Yankees want to take advantage of that and have repeatedly said if Rodriguez opts out of the contract – he has until 10 days following the final World Series out to do so – they won’t chase him into free agency.
It doesn’t appear an offer will be forthcoming until the parties meet face to face.
“I really have had no formal discussions with them,” Boras said. “I have had scattered conversation with (Brian Cashman) but that’s about it. We are in the information collection business, that’s all we are doing.”
Asked if the Yankees’ choice of Joe Torre’s replacement would sway Rodriguez’ decision to come back, Boras said it’s not Rodriguez’s place to interject himself into that arena.
“Obviously, players care about who manages the team, but one thing Alex has been clear about is not involving himself with management on that level,” Boras said.
One situation that could factor in Rodriguez’s decision is the fate of hitting coach Kevin Long. Like every other Yankees coach, Long’s contract is up Wednesday. The Rangers are interested in hiring Long if he doesn’t return to the Yankees. Long’s departure would be a blow to Rodriguez, who credited Long with helping him batting .314 and leading the majors in homers (54) and RBIs (156).
According to a report yesterday, the Yankees are prepared to offer Rodriguez an extension in the $27 million a year range for five seasons beyond 2010. Sources say no offer has been made.
Hank Steinbrenner believes Rodriguez wants to be a Yankee and the Yankees want him back. However, Boras has been waiting a long time to bring the best player in baseball into free agency.
While Boras is the master at this game, it could be risky because if the Yankees are sincere in not wanting Rodriguez as a free agent, Boras can’t use the Yankees against other teams. While an extension from the Yankees will be costly, another team would be looking at an eight- or nine-year deal for more dollars.