From the archives: A-Rod eager to become 'best 3B I can be'

This story was originally published in Newsday on February 17, 2004

Wearing a green wool sweater, jeans and his $252-million smile, Alex Rodriguez told Newsday in an exclusive interview early this morning that he is thrilled to be a Yankee after a trying offseason of negotiating ups and downs with the rival Red Sox.

"I think this is an ideal situation for me," Rodriguez said in his first interview since becoming a Yankee. "The way they came after me, the enthusiasm and energy they showed, makes me very proud to be associated with the Yankees organization. It's a blessing to be in New York. It's very flattering to be able to put the pinstripes on and play for a world championship contender."

Rodriguez got to his midtown hotel nearly undetected, although a couple of New Yorkers recognized him in the lobby bar. "Welcome home," one said.

Rodriguez is a perfect fit for New York. Like Reggie Jackson a generation ago, he does not mind the attention. He had lots of questions about the organization, media and fans. He seemed excited to hear there should be hundreds of media people at the news conference today to introduce him at Yankee Stadium.

Rodriguez said, "I'm still pinching myself."

Accompanied by his wife, Cynthia, his brother-in-law and a childhood friend, Rodriguez spoke excitedly about the "challenges" ahead, particularly the positional switch that some foresee as a source of controversy. Rodriguez said the decision to move from shortstop to third base for the chance to become a Yankee was an easy one.

He is not a shortstop anymore.

"It's done, done, done," Rodriguez said. "I'm very happy with what I've been able to accomplish the last nine years. I've had a blast with it. But I'm looking forward to a new challenge. I'm so excited to play third base."

Rodriguez said he didn't even hesitate when asked to change positions.

"Making the move is the right thing to do," he said. "I'm not looking to compete. I'm here to be a third baseman. No ifs, ands or buts about it.

"I'm looking forward to becoming the best third baseman I can be. I'm looking forward to working with Willie Randolph and Luis Sojo.

"I already told Derek [Jeter] I'm looking forward to playing alongside him."

Rodriguez and Jeter spoke late Sunday and again yesterday. Rodriguez and Jeter are on the same page now about the positional switch.

"It's going to be a challenge, and it's going to be fun. What I'm most excited about is to play third base next to Derek for years, and to compete for a world championship every year," Rodriguez said.

He almost can't believe he's here.

"I was so focused on Boston," he said. "I never thought of the Yankees as having a real chance. I think everyone involved thought it would be Boston."

He declined to compare the two rosters or make bold predictions. "I think it's going to be an awesome summer of baseball," he said. "It's going to be fun."

Rodriguez would not take any swipes at any of the Red Sox people even though the team tried to squeeze $28 million out of him and pitted Rodriguez against the players' union publicly.

"I wish Boston the best. I think they're a great team," Rodriguez said. "Theo [Epstein] and John [Henry] are first-class people. I really enjoyed meeting them."

Rodriguez did not mention Red Sox president Larry Lucchino, who issued the inflammatory quotes about the union, did most of the squeezing and enthusiastically declared talks "dead, dead, dead." Lucchino turned out to be right about that, though Boston tried to get back into the hunt Saturday at the 11th hour, according to a source.

Ever the diplomat, A-Rod preferred to speak in glowing terms about the way the Yankees handled things than to review the three-month nightmare that was the Boston negotiations.

"I'm more thankful being here. It's pretty special for me. I don't take it for granted," Rodriguez said. "I enjoy the professionalism of the New York Yankees."

Rodriguez will wear No. 13 as a Yankee, he confirmed, explaining that it has a "3" in it and that he grew up wearing No. 13 as a young quarterback idolizing Dan Marino in Miami.

"This is going to be cool, man," Rodriguez said. "I can't wait."