NEW YORK, 16 February 2004 — The Yankees and Rangers Saturday hedged their responses to reports they were on the brink of a deal that would send superstar Alex Rodriguez to New York from Texas.
“Without going into specifics, I can acknowledge that trade discussions are taking place with the Texas Rangers,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said in a statement. “In fairness to all parties involved, I cannot comment further at this time.”
Rangers’ general manager John Hart also admitted that the teams have continued to talk but had nothing to report early Saturday evening. “It’s premature to talk about any potential transaction, especially since our owner, Tom Hicks, has been reluctant to reopen this issue,” Hart said. “Discussions about players are difficult and sensitive. From the Rangers’ standpoint, any deal would have to meet a lot of conditions and requirements in order to be accomplished.”
The Long Island-based newspaper Newsday reported on its website that the Major League Baseball teams have agreed “in principle” on the blockbuster deal, which would send “A-Rod” to the Yankees for Afonso Soriano and a minor league player.
