Alex Rodriguez met with top executives in the New York Yankees' organization last week and apologized for his actions over the past year. The team requested that he address the media and do the same before spring training.
According to sources, it's Rodriguez's responsibility to schedule the appointment with the media and the New York Daily News reported the team offered up Yankee Stadium as the potential venue for the apology press conference. This is one step in repairing his relationship with the Yankees, as team officials told him he needs to "make up for his behavior."
Owner Hal Steinbrenner, president Randy Levine, general manager Brian Cashman and assistant GM Jean Afterman were present for the meeting last week.
"According to sources close to the matter, should Rodriguez opt to have a press conference, the club's preference is to avoid the media melee that is sure to surround A-Rod if the steroid-stained slugger delivers an apology prior to rejoining the Yankees after his season-long drug suspension. The Yankees would rather have A-Rod meet the media in New York than anywhere in Tampa," writes Teri Thompson, Bill Madden and Nathaniel Vinton of the Daily News.
However, Rodriguez has not responded to the offer and it's unknown what his plan is. The Yankees will have pitchers and catchers report to spring training on Feb. 20 and position players report on Feb. 25, so the three-time AL MVP doesn't have much time before he has to make a decision.
The Yankees still owe Rodriguez $64 million over the next three seasons and that doesn't include the "marketing bonuses" he will earn for every milestone he reaches on the all-time home runs list. The Yankees plan to fight these bonuses, but right now they're scheduled to pay him $6 million for each achievement - the first being Willie Mays' mark of 660 home runs, which A-Rod is only six home runs away from reaching.
New York no longer views these bonuses as worthwhile because of Rodriguez's association with performance-enhancing drugs. Not only that, the team told him that his behavior in defending himself - suing the MLB and the Yankees' team doctor - was "entirely inappropriate" and that it "would not be forgotten."
"He owes it to the Yankees fans who are paying money to see him play next year to explain himself," one baseball official told the Daily News. "They deserve an explanation."
It's likely the slugger comes to a decision some time this week.
