Yankees told $350 million or no A-Rod talk: reports

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The New York Yankees were told $350 million was the starting point for discussions about retaining Alex Rodriguez before the slugger declared himself a free agent, local newspapers reported on Saturday.

Citing club and major league sources, local media reported that agent Scott Boras told the Yankees it would take at least a $350-million extension to Rodriguez's deal, which had three years remaining on the original 10-year, $252-million agreement.

The two sides never met face-to-face on an extension and Boras announced during Game Four of the World Series that Rodriguez was exercising an escape clause in the deal originally signed with Texas to declare himself a free agent.

The Yankees had planned to offer Rodriguez, 32, a five-year extension for about $150 million, club sources said.

Boras told the New York Times he had not talked to the Yankees about economic terms.

Rodriguez had 10 days from the end of the World Series as a deadline for becoming a free agent. The Yankees had said they were interested in retaining the third baseman but would not participate in negotiating with him if he became a free agent.

Arguably the best all-around player in the major leagues, Rodriguez had a stellar season in 2007, leading the majors with 54 home runs and 156 runs batted in.

Among teams believed to be considering pursuing Rodriguez are the Los Angeles Dodgers and Angels, the San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, Florida Marlins and New York Mets.