It's no secret that Alex Rodriguez has been having a horrendous postseason. But is this just a poorly timed slump or the end of A-Rod's run in New York?
According to Keith Olbermann, the Yankees have been discussing a possible trade involving A-Rod with the Miami Marlins. Olbermann wrote on his MLB.com blog on Wednesday that the Yankees would even cover the rest of Rodriguez's contract which has five years and $114 million guaranteed left.
Earlier on Wednesday, AP columnist Jim Litke suggested that the Yankees do precisely that in a column after the three-time AL MVP was benched in Game 3 of the ALCS.
Before Game 4, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman denied Olbermann's report to MLB.com beat writer Bryan Hoch.
After learning of Cashman's denial, Olbermann updated his post to say that Cashman is "incorrect," writing that Yankees GM may not even know about the trade discussions going on.
Whether or not there are active negotiations, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reported that there was a "lighthearted exchange" between the teams in late April. He also reports that there are no serious talks in progress.
ESPNNewYork.com has more details on the short conversation from April and reported that, A-Rod, who has the power to veto any trade, would only accept a deal if he is sent to Miami.
Perhaps it wouldn't be that surprising if the Yankees did eventually engage in trade discussions for the 14-time All-Star. A-Rod hasn't produced much in the Yankees' last two trips to the postseason. Through eight games this October, he has struggled so much that manager Joe Girardi has been pinch-hit for him in crucial situations and benched him three times, including Wednesday night's Game 4.
Throw in a New York Post report that A-Rod was flirting with a bikini model while his team was trailing late in Game 1 (after he had been replaced), and one might find the Yankees willingness to trade him rather reasonable. That being said, not everyone is taking the reports too seriously.