Alex Rodriguez's benching in the 2012 ALCS has been well-documented. Struggling going into game four of the seven game series, Rodriguez is out of the lineup. A Yankees loss would mean the end of the Yankees' season. Today some rumors surfaced suggesting that the Miami Marlins might be willing to trade for Rodriguez, provided the Yankees pick up a good chunk of money.
The report originated from Keith Olbermann, who apparently is doing sports again. The talk of the trade Olbermann calls his "exclusive" report, found here on mlblogs.com:
Sources close to both organizations confirm the Yankees would pay all – or virtually all – of the $114,000,000 Rodriguez is owed in a contract that runs through the rest of this season and the next five. One alternative scenario has also been discussed in which the Yankees would pay less of Rodriguez’s salary, but would obtain the troubled Marlins’ reliever Heath Bell and pay what remains of the three-year, $27,000,000 deal Bell signed last winter.
It sounds like a good talk, but the Yankees would still have to come up with a third baseman. As Phillies fans know, they are pretty scarce in this market.
However, the report is being refuted by Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman in this report from ESPN New York:
"I have had no discussions whatsoever with the (Miami) Marlins," Cashman said. "Certainly would never have any trade discussions under the circumstances. I certainly have not had any discussions with any GMs other than the pregame meetings with Dan Duquette with the Orioles, with the umpires and then with Dave Dombrowski (of the Tigers). But I've had no trade discussions, so false. 100 percent false."
So there you have it. I am not sure of Olbermann's sources, but it is an easy scenario to dream up. The Marlins indeed would like to unload Heath Bell and Rodriguez may never be viewed the same in New York after this postseason.
Rodriguez has five years remaining of his 10 year, $275 million contract with the Yankees. While the contract was frontloaded, $114 still remains owed to Rodriguez.
