Report: A-Rod, Rangers Close to $240M Deal

Dec. 11, 2000 -- Alex Rodriguez is about to become a very rich man.

The only question is just how rich. The answer may be at least $240 million over 12 years — and that’s before his endorsements and other marketing deals.

A Fort Worth newspaper is reporting that the free agent shortstop is on the verge of signing just such a pact with the Texas Rangers. A deal could be finalized as early as today, the Star-Telegram reported, citing unnamed sources.

Nine Hours of Talks

“Texas has put a lot of time and work into it, and so have we,” the shortstop’s agent, Scott Boras, was quoted as saying between the late-night bargaining sessions. “It’s hard to say right now, though. It’s very competitive, and it’s a complicated process.”

The newspaper said the closed-door discussions involved deep-pocketed owner Tom Hicks, general manager Doug Melvin and Boras, and lasted nearly nine hours. At one point, Boras left the room to consult Rodriguez, according to the newspaper.

Rodriguez’s current team, the Seattle Mariners, and the Atlanta Braves are also believed to be trying to acquire his services.

But the Rangers now appear to have the inside track. As the talks continued into the night, Boras cancelled meetings with other teams — including the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers — as he and Hicks worked on the deal, according to the Star-Telegram.

The newspaper quoted a source as saying the final value of the package could be $264 million over 12 years, but that a number of details have yet to be finalized.

Deferred money, “escape” clauses and non-monetary issue are still under discussion, the newspaper reported. Rodriguez is also concerned about what would happen if Hicks sold the team.

The Sporting News reported in its online edition that Boras told other teams he had received an acceptable offer for his client. That offer would presumably be the one from the Rangers.

Courting A-Rod

The Rangers’ courtship of A-Rod included a full presentation about the team’s future plans — including a look at their minor league organization — and dinner with Mike Modano, the center for the Dallas Stars, Hicks’ 1999 championship NHL team.

Boras’ marketing of his client included a 50-page book documenting the 25-year-old player’s accomplishments and saying that he could be among the greatest ballplayers of all time.

The newspaper quoted Doug Melvin as saying Boras “said enough positive things where I feel confident he’s interested.”

Boras said Sunday that “A-Rod” could be signed, sealed and delivered as soon as today.

“Tomorrow will be a telling day,” he said. The agent even joked earlier in the day when told of reports of the $240 million offer.

“Where is it? I’ll sign!” he said.

While Boras wouldn’t address the real figures being offered, he said a “precarious part” of negotiations was putting together a 10-to-12-year deal that also gives a player the right to opt out after several years.

“It’s kind of unprecedented,” he said.

Texas Two-Step

The Rangers have been making a splash on the free-agent market in recent days, acquiring first baseman Andres Galarraga, former National League MVP third baseman Ken Caminiti and pitcher Mark Petkovsek to complement the team’s homegrown superstar, catcher Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez.

Galarraga’s one-year deal is reportedly worth $6.25 million, while Petkovsek got a $4.9 million, two-year deal and Caminiti a $3.25 million, one-year contract with two option years.

The New York Mets had long been considered the front-runners for A-Rod, but suddenly backed out of negotiations last month, saying Boras was demanding too many perks, including his own office at the stadium, billboards in the city and a tent at spring training to market his own merchandise.

Boras has denied that.

Manny Update

Jeff Moorad, the agent for Cleveland’s free-agent slugger Manny Ramirez, met with representatives of the Indians.

But the two sides had vastly different views of their talks. Indians general manager John Hart said in the early evening that his team had little hope of re-signing its most productive batter.

“Faint chance, remote chance, unlikely. Those are probably the best words to use,” he said after the first of several meetings with Moorad. “It’s a faint pulse.”

Moorad also met with Boston Red Sox general manager Dan Duquette, who spent two days in California last week trying to work out a deal. Moorad planned to review the offers with his client on Monday.

“At this point, the likely agreements are comparable,” Moorad said. “I think both organizations have stretched to make a deal. The ball rests in Manny’s court.”

Ramirez has said he would prefer to remain in Cleveland, but Boston — which missed out on signing free-agent pitchers Mike Mussina and Denny Neagle — has been making a strong push toward acquiring the outfielder.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.