Yankees never had meeting with Rodriguez

By Larry Fine

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said the team's bid to re-sign slugger Alex Rodriguez never got off the ground because his agent refused to discuss a contract extension.

Agent Scott Boras informed media that Rodriguez was opting for free agency as Game Four of the World Series was being played, even though the hard-hitting third baseman had 10 more days to decide his intentions.

The Yankees had stated they would not negotiate with Rodriguez as a free agent, since they would lose $30 million that his former team, the Texas Rangers, would contribute to his salary.

"Obviously, with the type of money that commitment would need, it was important to have a sit down, face-to-face meeting to discuss our futures together and that would have to take place in person," Cashman told reporters on Tuesday.

Boras had said Rodriguez might fetch as much as $300 million for a new 10-year deal on the open market.

"I engaged Scott Boras on several occasions to try and set up a meeting in Tampa, Miami, California, wherever. That was loud and clear an interest on our part.

"For whatever reason, Scott Boras said that was not possible," Cashman told a conference call arranged to announce the signing of Joe Girardi as manager.

Rodriguez had the right to invoke an escape clause with three years to go on his 10-year, $252 million pact he originally signed with the Texas Rangers.