That's the first day teams other than Seattle can talk money with Rodriguez, the head of this year's free-agent class. A-Rod is one of the top offensive players in the game at the mostly defensive position of shortstop. At 25, he has most of his career ahead of him. Agent Scott Boras, expected to arrive at the meetings last Sunday night, has prepared a 50-page document detailing the qualities of his client, who hit .316 with 41 homers and 132 RBIs this season. Patience is a virtue for the slugger.
Patience is a virus from the club's standpoint.
Boras, who cut off negotiations with Seattle before the season, also clarified remarks from Rodriguez that he won't sign with the Yankees, who already have his buddy, Derek Jeter, at shortstop. I spent five days with him on the subject. He's hasn't dismissed any team. They expect to respond to Ramirez's agent, Jeff Moorad, by Tuesday. The Indians are interested in pitchers like Mussina, Denny Neagle and Darren Dreifort, as well as outfielder Ellis Burks.