February 17, 200422 yr A-Rod speaks in first interview as a Yankee By Jon Heyman Newsday Posted February 17 2004, 10:54 AM EST NEW YORK -- Wearing a green wool sweater, jeans and his $252-million smile, Alex Rodriguez told Newsday in an exclusive interview early Tuesday morning that he is thrilled to be a Yankee after a trying offseason of negotiating ups and downs with the rival Red Sox. "I think this is an ideal situation for me," Rodriguez said in his first interview since becoming a Yankee. "The way they came after me, the enthusiasm and energy they showed, makes me very proud to be associated with the Yankees organization. It's a blessing to be in New York. It's very flattering to be able to put the pinstripes on and play for a world championship contender." Rodriguez got to his midtown hotel nearly undetected, although a couple of New Yorkers recognized him in the lobby bar. "Welcome home," one said. Rodriguez is a perfect fit for New York. Like Reggie Jackson a generation ago, he does not mind the attention. He had lots of questions about the organization, media and fans. He seemed excited to hear there should be hundreds of media people at the news conference today to introduce him at Yankee Stadium. Rodriguez said, "I'm still pinching myself." Accompanied by his wife, Cynthia, his brother-in-law and a childhood friend, Rodriguez spoke excitedly about the "challenges" ahead, particularly the positional switch that some foresee as a source of controversy. Rodriguez said the decision to move from shortstop to third base for the chance to become a Yankee was an easy one. He is not a shortstop anymore. "It's done, done, done," Rodriguez said. "I'm very happy with what I've been able to accomplish the last nine years. I've had a blast with it. But I'm looking forward to a new challenge. I'm so excited to play third base." Rodriguez said he didn't even hesitate when asked to change positions. "Making the move is the right thing to do," he said. "I'm not looking to compete. I'm here to be a third baseman. No ifs, ands or buts about it. "I'm looking forward to becoming the best third baseman I can be. I'm looking forward to working with Willie Randolph and Luis Sojo. "I already told Derek [Jeter] I'm looking forward to playing alongside him." Rodriguez and Jeter spoke late Sunday and again yesterday. Rodriguez and Jeter are on the same page now about the positional switch. "It's going to be a challenge, and it's going to be fun. What I'm most excited about is to play third base next to Derek for years, and to compete for a world championship every year," Rodriguez said. He almost can't believe he's here. "I was so focused on Boston," he said. "I never thought of the Yankees as having a real chance. I think everyone involved thought it would be Boston." He declined to compare the two rosters or make bold predictions. "I think it's going to be an awesome summer of baseball," he said. "It's going to be fun." Rodriguez would not take any swipes at any of the Red Sox people even though the team tried to squeeze $28 million out of him and pitted Rodriguez against the players' union publicly. "I wish Boston the best. I think they're a great team," Rodriguez said. "Theo [Epstein] and John [Henry] are first-class people. I really enjoyed meeting them." Rodriguez did not mention Red Sox president Admin Lucchino, who issued the inflammatory quotes about the union, did most of the squeezing and enthusiastically declared talks "dead, dead, dead." Lucchino turned out to be right about that, though Boston tried to get back into the hunt Saturday at the 11th hour, according to a source. Ever the diplomat, A-Rod preferred to speak in glowing terms about the way the Yankees handled things than to review the three-month nightmare that was the Boston negotiations. "I'm more thankful being here. It's pretty special for me. I don't take it for granted," Rodriguez said. "I enjoy the professionalism of the New York Yankees." Rodriguez -- one of Miami's favorite baseball sons -- will wear No. 13 as a Yankee, he confirmed, explaining that it has a "3" in it and that he grew up wearing No. 13 as a young quarterback idolizing Dan Marino in Miami. "This is going to be cool, man," Rodriguez said. "I can't wait."
February 17, 200422 yr He's 13 to say he's 1 better than soriano's 12...well, that's my theory. When asked whether his acquisition is "good for the game", he said "well it is good for the yankees."
February 17, 200422 yr He's 13 to say he's 1 better than soriano's 12...well, that's my theory. that is the dumbest post of all time
February 17, 200422 yr i hope arod tears a knee ligament. nobody forced him to sign with the rangers. and then he sulked when they sucked because he was taking up 1/4 of the payroll. he pissed and moaned like a baby until he got his way. i hope he tears a knee ligament.
February 17, 200422 yr he will continue to dominate, just like he did in Texas. Except now he'll get some rings for his troubles.
February 17, 200422 yr i hope he hits 80 homers before the all-star break, in which he will be starting at 4 positions since he's that good.
February 17, 200422 yr ramp obviously doesn't understand sarcasm. i hope arod hits 80, but I think there's a significant chance soriano will hit more with texas.�
February 17, 200422 yr i hope arod tears a knee ligament. nobody forced him to sign with the rangers. and then he sulked when they sucked because he was taking up 1/4 of the payroll. he pissed and moaned like a baby until he got his way. i hope he tears a knee ligament. That is the most disgusting post I have ever read, and I hope you tear a knee ligament for saying it. That's like a Yankee fan saying, "I hope Mike Lowell trips and breaks his foot while rounding the bases." (Lowell and Rodriguez are great friends by the way, and two of the nicest guys in the game.) You she be suspended for saying stupid s*** like that. You're better than that, Adam. but I think there's a significant chance soriano will hit more with texas.� He'll hit upwards of 40.
February 17, 200422 yr why josh? arod knew what he was getting into by signing that contract with the rangers. then when they started losing (surprise) he started crying about wanting out. i would share the same thoughts no matter what team he went too....i find it quite comical this game the yankees and red sox are playing.
February 17, 200422 yr i find it quite comical this game the yankees and red sox are playing. As do I to be honest, but saying you WANT Alex Rodriguez to tear a knee ligament is both disgusting and immature. What, do you want A-Rod to turn into the next Griffey? Jr. could have been the greatest player IN THE HISTORY OF BASEBALL if not for these past few seasons, and A-Rod is going down the same path he was. If that happened, baseball would be f***ed.
February 17, 200422 yr i find it quite comical this game the yankees and red sox are playing. As do I to be honest, but saying you WANT Alex Rodriguez to tear a knee ligament is both disgusting and immature. What, do you want A-Rod to turn into the next Griffey? Jr. could have been the greatest player IN THE HISTORY OF BASEBALL if not for these past few seasons, and A-Rod is going down the same path he was. If that happened, baseball would be f***ed. of course its immature. that is the part of being a fan sometimes. if alex had just gone to new york 3 years ago like he wanted instead of signing for the money he signed for, then losing which we all saw ultimately occuring, and then crying cause he was tired of losing, then refusing to restructure his contract to help the rangers bring in more pitching. that is why i say what i say. alex had his chance to play wherever he wanted 3 years ago....and he chose the money. alex getting hurt wouldnt destroy baseball.....griffey getting hurt didnt destroy the game and neither would alex. baseball is bigger than one star.
February 17, 200422 yr Marino could've played a mean 3rd base I bet. He was drafted by the Royals out of HS, but went to Pitt (go PSU!) instead.
February 17, 200422 yr i am actually awaiting baltimore joining in and making it a 3 team arms race in the al east. he wants to win desperately and angelos has money. i expect to see him make a run at a few players this winter if not before.
February 17, 200422 yr alex had his chance to play wherever he wanted 3 years ago....and he chose the money. Choosing the money seemed to work out well for him, considering he now has both. I think he saw his being traded an inevitability when he originally signed with Texas, because he knew that he was going to hold them back and they could only win WITHOUT him in the future. Alex is no dummy. griffey getting hurt didnt destroy the game and neither would alex. It sure as hell wouldn't help. Imagine where both Griffey and the Reds would be right now if he had never spent a day on the DL. He'd have 100-150 more HR's, 300-400 more RBI, ect. But no, possibly the most talented player to ever step foot on a baseball field is sitting in the dugout most of the time, watching his team lose. If the same happened to A-Rod, who is also possibly the best player to ever swing a baseball bat, the game would never be the same.
February 17, 200422 yr you and alex should get along great actually. both of you have no integrity. Integrity is overrated. And at least I have decency.
February 17, 200422 yr If the same happened to A-Rod, who is also possibly the best player to ever swing a baseball bat, the game would never be the same. Baseball wouldnt bling an eye
February 17, 200422 yr Baseball wouldnt bling an eye You won't being saying that if Das' wish comes true.
February 17, 200422 yr yes I will Baseball isnt clinging to life on ARod there's a new batch of stars dont you worry
February 18, 200422 yr i am actually awaiting baltimore joining in and making it a 3 team arms race in the al east. Baltimore only made a splash this year to win over DC baseball fans.
February 18, 200422 yr i am actually awaiting baltimore joining in and making it a 3 team arms race in the al east. Baltimore only made a splash this year to win over DC baseball fans. true.... and i wouldnt be shocked to see them get in deeper in the next year or so......
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