Cashman: Yanks won't trade A-Rod

For all those excitedly anticipating a winter of Alex Rodriguez trade rumors, New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is here to disappoint you. "We're not trading Alex," Cashman insisted Wednesday on the first day of the general managers meetings. "So, hopefully the Alex stuff has stopped. "I'm reiterating: We're not trading Alex Rodriguez. He's got a full no-trade (clause). I have talked to every team in baseball. I have not offered Alex in any trade. You'll be able to confirm that with everybody if you want." As Rodriguez was benched during the Yankees' disappointing turn in the American League playoffs, speculation swirled that his hometown Miami Marlins, or perhaps the Los Angeles Angels, could make a play to acquire A-Rod during the offseason. With five years and $114 million left on Rodriguez's contract, the Yankees would need to eat a substantial amount of money in order to trade him. Cashman said no team even inquired about Rodriguez's availability Wednesday as the industry gathered at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa. "They probably read my comments that we're not trading him," Cashman said. Rodriguez is coming off his worst season since establishing himself in the majors with the Seattle Mariners in 1996, hitting .272 with 18 home runs and 57 RBI while showing a persistent vulnerability to right-handed pitching. Yet, it appears A-Rod will retain his spot in the Yankees' lineup. The 37-year-old may spend more time at designated hitter than third base during the coming season. Despite the perpetual tumult surrounding him, A-Rod told reporters late in the season that he loves being a Yankee. Cashman said he spoke with Rodriguez on the phone after the Yankees' season ended, but declined to offer specifics of their conversation. "I'm going to leave that in the past and move forward," the GM said.