Newsday continues to lead the way when it comes to coverage of the A-Rod to the Yankees deal, having just posted the first interview with Rodriguez since word of the deal leaked in the paper on Saturday morning:
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."
On the switch to third base:
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 already told Derek [Jeter] I'm looking forward to playing alongside him."
That would seem to obviate the call from the paper's Jon Heyman, who called on Jeter this morning to make way for Rodriguez by leaving shortstop behind forever and taking on just about any other open position in the Yankee infield. After reading Heyman's columns over the last few days, I'm pretty much convinced he's decided to stir up as much trouble for the Yanks in the pages of Newsday as possible.
Oh, good grief. The Cubs couldn’t close the deal with Maddux and now it appears that the MFYs have snatched him up too. Aaarrgh.
Well, for once Newsday actually gets a story and tries to climb out of irrelevance. What do you think they’re going to do?