By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com
Citing a source with knowledge of the situation, the New York Daily News reported on Wednesday that Rodriguez and the Yankees have been discussing a surprising deal that would keep the likely American League Most Valuable Player in pinstripes after all.
But the Yankees, who were rebuffed when they asked repeatedly to meet with Rodriguez after the season, have one request of their own. According to the report originally published on the newspaper's Web site, the Yankees have no plans to negotiate with Rodriguez's agent, Scott Boras.
"We will not negotiate with Scott Boras," a club source told the Daily News. "He cannot be in the room."
[...]According to the report, Rodriguez apparently approached the Yankees through a third-party intermediary and plans to have person-to-person talks with Hank and Hal Steinbrenner before a deal would be settled.
The Yankees are apparently unconcerned that Rodriguez's overture could be a ploy to generate interest in the All-Star. While most clubs would love to add a player of Rodriguez's magnitude, teams with the financial wherewithal to realistically do it this offseason could be scarce.
"We realize it could be a trap to get us back in the negotiations," one Yankees official told the Daily News. "But we don't think that's the case."
The Yankees have also made contact with the representatives for free-agent third baseman Mike Lowell, according to published reports.
[...]
Hank Steinbrenner, the Yankees' senior vice president, has also said that the club will investigate opportunities to trade for 24-year-old Marlins third baseman Miguel Cabrera, ostensibly to replace Rodriguez's production. [...] Steinbrenner said the Yankees will not part with pitching prospects Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes or Ian Kennedy to acquire Cabrera [...].
The Yankees are also waiting for closer Mariano Rivera to decide if he will accept a three-year, $45 million contract offer to remain in pinstripes. Catcher Jorge Posada, who agreed to a four-year, $52.4 million pact, will undergo a physical on Wednesday, and an official announcement could soon follow.
