MLB

Yankees GM Cashman: ‘I am not trading’ A-Rod

Brian Cashman watched Alex Rodriguez’ stumble through the postseason like everybody else. Right-handers baffled the man with the fifth highest homer total in history.

Getting dropped in the lineup didn’t help. Being pinch-hit for and then benched provided fodder that Rodriguez’ time as a Yankee was over.

And yet, the GM doesn’t envision Rodriguez being anywhere but at third base for the 2013 Yankees.

“I expect Alex to be here, I am not looking to trade Alex,” Cashman said today in a phone conversation.”If someone called, of course I would take the call, but I am not trading Alex.”

Even if Cashman wanted to deal Rodriguez, who hit .120 (3-for-25) for the postseason in which he was benched three times and pinch-hit for three other times, it would be extremely difficult.

First, Rodriguez has a complete no trade clause. And despite the ocean of criticism heaped upon him after the Tigers swept the Yankees out of the ALCS in four games, Rodriguez adores the attention being a Yankee brings.

Second, Rodriguez’ trade value was devalued by Joe Girardi, whose constant references to Rodriguez not being able to hit right-handers during the postseason has people looking at him as a platoon player. He was 0-for-18 with 12 strikeouts against right-handers in the postseason.

Finally, Rodriguez is owed $114 million across the next five years. Even if the Yankees swallowed most of it, Rodriguez is 37 with a surgically repaired hip and has been on the DL every season since 2009.

“He is an above average third baseman,” Cashman said of Rodriguez who appeared in 122 games this past season due to a fractured left hand. He batted .272 with 18 homers and 57 RBIs. That’s the fewest runs he has driven in since becoming a full-time big leaguer in 1996.

“I don’t see how we are better without Alex playing third base.”