A-ROD IN THE BRONX?: According to Newsday, the Yankees are aiming very high in their effort to replace injured third baseman Aaron Boone: they're talking to the Rangers about acquiring Alex Rodriguez. The proposed trade would send second baseman Alfonso Soriano to Texas, along with pitcher Jose Contreras and another player or two, for Rodriguez, who would then shift from shortstop to third base alongside Derek Jeter.
A few, shall we say, problems with this scenario: Hasn't Texas already promised their season-ticket holders that Rodriguez will return, and also made him team captain? Why would they take back Soriano when they could have had a far superior player, Manny Ramirez? And why would Rodriguez agree to play third for New York when such a move wasn't even considered for Boston?
From a Yankees standpoint, I know they're supposed to have "unlimited money" and all, but is it really a good business move to give up Soriano's nothing contract for that of the game's highest paid player? If the idea is to replace Boone at third, doesn't giving up Soriano then leave a huge hole at second? And the Yankees are expected to have enough trouble with fielding this year- why bring in another guy to play out of position?
If this actually comes close to becoming a reality, expect the Red Sox to jump back in once again with a counteroffer. But regardless, my take remains the same: unless Jeter gets hit by a bus, Alex Rodriguez will never play for the Yankees.