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Sunday, February 16, 1997
Rodriquez asking big bucks from the Texas Rangers
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (AP) - Ivan Rodriguez is asking the Texas
Rangers for a $38.75 million, five-year contract with options
that could make the deal worth $85 million over 10 years.
"It's difficult for me to imagine that we would do an
$85 million deal," Rangers president Tom Schieffer said.
" 'But I want to be sure I understand it."
Rodriguez avoided arbitration by agreeing Jan. 19 to a $6.65
million, one-year contract. He'll be eligible for free agency
after this season.
Both sides had talked about getting a longterm deal done before
this season. Rodriguez had set Saturday - the first scheduled
workout of spring training - as a deadline.
"I don't want to say anything," he said Friday. "I
just want to see what happens. I want to go out, play my game
and do my job in spring training, which is to get ready for the
season."
General manager Doug Melvin wants to keep talks going through
Feb. 28, the opening of the exhibition season.
"I get the impression that they want to test the free-agent
market," Melvin said.
Agent Jeff Moorad said he doesn't expect any serious offers
from Texas.
"At this point, I think we've made every attempt to put
a deal together," he said. "Obviously, Pudge and I would
very much like it to fit the Rangers' plans. But if it doesn't
we will most likely pick up our discussions after the season."
Rodriguez may be better off waiting. Mike Piazza already has
raised the bar by getting a $15 million, two-year deal from Los
Angeles last month. That contract also keeps him off the market
next season, making Rodriguez the best catcher available, possibly
triggering bidding wars for him.
Rodriguez, 25, won his fifth straight Gold Glove last season.
He also hit .300 with career-bests of 86 RBIs and 19 homers. Send
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Copyright ©1997,
Abilene Reporter-News / Texnews / E.W. Scripps Publications
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