Guest MrRant Report post Posted July 31, 2003 ARLINGTON, Texas -- Frustrated by the constant losing, Alex Rodriguez is willing to consider being traded or reworking his 10-year, $252 million contract. "If the Rangers found they could be better off without me, whether now or a year or two down the road, I'd be willing to sit down and talk,'' Rodriguez said before Texas' game against Boston on Wednesday night. Rodriguez had never before indicated publicly that he would consider such a move. The All-Star shortstop is in the third year of the record contract given to him by owner Tom Hicks. The Rangers, meanwhile, are headed for their fourth straight last-place finish in the AL West and have committed to a youth movement. A-Rod also said he would be willing to restructure his contract if it would help the club. "I'd look at any options," he said. "I would redo my deal and make it best for our owner and for everyone." Added Rodriguez: "When I signed here, I thought we'd make a hard turn toward improvement. Obviously, we're in a very tough division. I want what's best for Mr. Hicks, if it were down to the Rangers improving or me being happy.'' Going into Wednesday's game, Rodriguez was hitting .291 with 24 home runs and 65 RBI. He led the majors with 57 homers and 142 RBI last season. Rangers general manager John Hart said he was surprised by Rodriguez's comments but hadn't had time to speak to the star about them. "It's hard for me to respond,'' Hart said. "Alex is a foundation piece. It would be unfair for me to comment on that at this moment. At this juncture right now, we're not even thinking about that.'' Hicks often refers to the Rangers as "A-Rod's team.'' The owner, who wasn't at the game, wasn't immediately available for comment. Rodriguez turned 28 on Sunday, and started his third straight All-Star Game earlier this month. He was also an All-Star from 1996-98 while in Seattle and missed the 2000 game because of an injury. Despite Rodriguez's personal accolades and him playing in all 431 games since arriving, the Rangers have remained in last place. "It's just something that, being my third year here, you want to see improvement, and I don't know if we have improved over three years,'' Rodriguez said. "It may be a year or two down the road. And obviously, I don't want to be the one that handicaps this team.'' At the same time, Rodriguez said he didn't feel like his contract was a liability to the team. The Rangers were 43-63 and 21 games behind AL West-leading Seattle. "This has frustrated everybody,'' Rodriguez said. "Losing is something you never want to get used to. At 28, I'm very young. I want to see improvement, and I'm not happy.'' In addition to leading the majors in homers and RBI last season, Rodriguez won his first Gold Glove. He finished second to Oakland's Miguel Tejada in the AL MVP voting. Rodriguez hit .309 with 109 homers and 277 RBI in his first two seasons, the homers being the most ever by an AL player in consecutive seasons. And he's played all 108 games this season despite a herniated disc in his neck that forced him to miss part of spring training. Rodriguez said the injury and the losing haven't diminished his play. "I think my game has been better than ever, considering the pain I've played with,'' he said. Texas on Wednesday made another move that emphasized their youth movement. Outfielder Doug Glanville traded to the Chicago Cubs for a minor leaguer and cash. The Rangers previously traded outfielders Ruben Sierra and Carl Everett, along with closer Ugueth Urbina, getting prospects in return in each of those deals. Rookie outfielder Ryan Ludwick was also traded. Two-time AL MVP Juan Gonzalez, who is on the disabled list with a strained right calf, used his no-trade clause to block out a deal Texas had reached with Montreal. Hart indicated Wednesday that there was still a possibility of Gonzalez being moved before Thursday's non-waiver trade deadline. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest MaxPower27 Report post Posted July 31, 2003 But who would take him? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest MarvinisaLunatic Report post Posted July 31, 2003 Yankees. They could DH him or something. Just make their payroll over 200 million. I hear the Yanks are trying to get Vlad as well. Make that 220 million. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest MrRant Report post Posted July 31, 2003 It would be odd if he came back to Seattle. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rendclaw 0 Report post Posted July 31, 2003 Imagine the backlash at the Yankees if they traded for him? Add A-Rod to an already fairly potent lineup, and you might have MURDERER'S ROW '03~! Won't happen, though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Choken One Report post Posted July 31, 2003 Yankees won't go for it cuz they got Jeter and Alfonso... Boston has Nomar... If A-Rod is true to his word...He won't sign with the Mets... That leaves...Atlanta and MAYBE L.A as the likely choices. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Kingpk Report post Posted July 31, 2003 Steinbrenner would probably order Cashman to trade Jeter for A-Rod straight up and, if Cashman can't do it, fire him and do it himself. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Choken One Report post Posted July 31, 2003 I would perfer A-Rod over Jeter anyways but The Boss will have a backlash like you never seen... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Vern Gagne Report post Posted July 31, 2003 Soriano could move to the OF, and Jeter over to 2nd. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Choken One Report post Posted July 31, 2003 Yeah but I don't think A-Rod, Giambi, Jeter and Soriano's egos will work. A-Rod wants to be a leader and Jeter would ALWAYS be the team leader and Giambi would be the Field Leader...Leaving A-Rod alone. A-Rod oughta go to Atlanta..Furcal can play Second and I believe Giles can play the OF as well... Personally? I think A-Rod is just spewing Hot air. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rob E Dangerously 0 Report post Posted July 31, 2003 Would A-Rod mind playing in Miami? he did grow up there Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Choken One Report post Posted July 31, 2003 Maybe if they show they can keep the players and they don't fire sale everyone... Which is why Atlanta seems Natural...As it's fucking close to his home town anyways...they are ALWAYS a contender and they can afford him. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest MrRant Report post Posted July 31, 2003 I think he wants to go to a team that will be at least a consistant winner. In my mind that leaves only the M's, Yankees, A's, Red Sox, Braves, San Fran. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Choken One Report post Posted July 31, 2003 He might not be comfy going back to seattle...Oakland can't afford him...Bost and NYY have a STAR at SS...S.Fran is possible but I still think Atlanta will be the only true team that makes a run at him if any at all do. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest the pinjockey Report post Posted July 31, 2003 I doubt Atlanta would make a run at him after trading Millwood for nothing because he was going to get 10 mil. A-Rod isn't going anywhere until Texas agrees to take at least 75 mil of the contract and that might start the discussions. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Zero_Cool Report post Posted July 31, 2003 I could see The Cubs going after him. They seem to be actually trying to win a world series this year and many years to come, and they always need another bat. But eh, I wouldn't count on A-Rod and his contract moving anywhere soon. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Smues Report post Posted July 31, 2003 Atlanta isn't going to get him, but if for some reason they did and didn't get rid of 5 guys to afford him I wouldn't move Giles to the outfield seeing as they have a fine outfield as it is. Well actually maybe, basically they'd have to ditch Castilla and either put Giles at 3rd, or put chip back at 3rd and Giles in Left. Either way furcal would go to 2nd, and not like he can make any MORE errors there than he already does at short, so why not. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Kingpk Report post Posted July 31, 2003 You know, Nomar's contract is up after next season, so I don't think a trade NEXT year between Texas and Boston isn't TOTALLY out of the realm of possibility. I guess it depends on how tough negotiations go with Nomar and how much of a paycut Alex is willing to take to come to a contender. Just throwing it out there. Call me an idiot and a dreamer if you wish. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest undisputedjericho Report post Posted July 31, 2003 What a surprize, he wants out of Texas, 2 1/2 years into his 10 year mistake. Come on, when you sign a deal like this guy did, you're selling you're baseball soul. He can't be moved...plus, he made his bed and now he has to lay in it. He's just another big bitch. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rendclaw 0 Report post Posted July 31, 2003 Nomar is too well loved in Boston. Barring he screws up royally somehow (and I am thinking something on Buckner-esque levels, on or off the field), the Sox would be stupid to let him go for any reason. It is going to be REALLY hard to move A-Rod, my Yankee fantasies notwithstanding. I would have thought that he KNEW that once he accepted that mammoth contract that he was basically stuck in Arlington for the next ten years of his life... Money isn't everything. Most things, but not everything. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest alkeiper Report post Posted July 31, 2003 What a surprize, he wants out of Texas, 2 1/2 years into his 10 year mistake. Come on, when you sign a deal like this guy did, you're selling you're baseball soul. He can't be moved...plus, he made his bed and now he has to lay in it. He's just another big bitch. That's a little unfiar. Alex didn't say he wanted out of Texas. He just said he'd do whatever the Rangers thought was in their best interests. It really doesn't matter. Rodriguez won't go anywhere, and the Rangers would be dumb to trade him. Once the Rangers clear their truly bad contracts off the books (Carl Everett, Rusty Greer, etc.) they'll be in good shape. They already have the best young infield in baseball. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest MaxPower27 Report post Posted July 31, 2003 Think they are actually going to be able to get rid of Juan-Gon? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest bravesfan Report post Posted July 31, 2003 I doubt Atlanta would make a run at him after trading Millwood for nothing because he was going to get 10 mil. Actually, it was SIXTEEN million. Millwood was applying (and definitely) expecting that figure through arbitration, so the Braves traded him for next-to-nothing - THAT was because the Phillies were the ONLY team that wanted Millwood's salary (he had one year left on his contract). IIRC, Maddux signed for $15 million per, while Glavine commited for three years at $13.667 million per. With the departures of Furcal, Castilla and possibly Javy, Atlanta WILL have the money. It's just the matter of investing that much money into one player (something that Schuerholtz had a problem with A-Rod back in 2000-2001) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest alkeiper Report post Posted July 31, 2003 Truthfully, I have no idea. He's a free agent after this year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Bosstones Fan Report post Posted July 31, 2003 With the departures of Furcal, Castilla and possibly Javy, Atlanta WILL have the money. It's just the matter of investing that much money into one player (something that Schuerholtz had a problem with A-Rod back in 2000-2001) Furcal's gonna be a free agent??? He has enough years of service for this? Wow. If so, the Cubs should definitely make a run at him! Not to do so would be inexcusable. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest MaxPower27 Report post Posted July 31, 2003 This is his 4th year in Atlanta since coming up with them. If they lose him, I think it'd be pretty stupid. He and Giles are catalysts for that team. His average is low, but he has a .344 OBP and a .473 SPG. He's currently on pace for 121 runs, and 191 hits. I mean, I hate the Braves and all, but if they lose him it'd be a rather foolish move to lose your leadoff guy if you don't have to. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bored 0 Report post Posted July 31, 2003 Furcal is not going to be a free agent and I'm not sure he'll even be arbitration eligible. He is on a one-year contract which is why I'm guessing bravesfan thinks he's a free agent but that is normal for players who are not eligible for free agency to only have a one-year deal. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Shaved Bear Report post Posted August 2, 2003 I think he wants to go to a team that will be at least a consistant winner. In my mind that leaves only the M's, Yankees, A's, Red Sox, Braves, San Fran. hahah Red Sox!! he might do wel in San Fran Bonds and A-Rod can lead to fun media frenzies Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rendclaw 0 Report post Posted August 2, 2003 the Braves would be idiotic if they let Javy go. Furcal, they could maybe get away with, Castilla is aging... but to lose a decent catcher and a good bat like Javy would be stupid in all ways. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest MaxPower27 Report post Posted August 2, 2003 They apparently have someone just like him in the farm system that's ready now. And they can trade Lopez for some pitcher to replace Maddux when he retires. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
