January 14, 2001
A-Rod, Padres heat up talks
Folks, we're going to call this one right now. The Dodgers gave an A-1 effort to get A-Rod, no doubt. Kevin Malone, LA's high-rolling GM, offered him the moon, even a few stars. But the 25-year-old all-everything shortstop ain't coming to Los Angeles (and you know we're serious when we use the word "ain't" in a sentence.). You can take it to the bank.
Ah, the bank. The Dodgers appeared the front-runner for days. They got into the race early. We heard they put down a 7-year deal worth more than $80 million. A-Rod said all the right things about Dodger lore, Dodger dogs and even praised Vin Scully. Then the Padres made their late push, just like in last season's NL West race. And from what we've heard, A-Rod just put the City of Angels in his rearview mirror as he heads south to Padre land.
Several sources we have close to the situation confirm that A-Rod likes the smaller market setting that San Diego would bring. And they said he believes the Padres are better built for success anyways. It's hard to argue, with them most likely getting Chipper Jones to go with an already loaded lineup that includes Alphonso Soriano, Brad Penny, Mike Lowell, Trot Nixon, Mark Sweeney, etc.
So, in a nutshell, San Diego appears to be the new power rising in the National League, and A-Rod will be their ultimate shining star. The Dodgers will have to settle for Jeff Cirillo and Johnny Damon as this year's free agent catches.
If we're wrong on this one, we'll swim in the buff all the way to Hawaii.