New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez could avert a potential lifetime ban from Major League Baseball if he accepts a suspension that would prohibit him from playing until 2015 one baseball official with knowledge of the investigation told USA TODAY Sports.
The official was unauthorized to speak publicly about the situation since the talks are private.
A ROD Next stop is Class AA Trenton
MLB Prepared to ban A Rod for life
It remains to be seen whether Rodriguez and his team of attorneys will soften their stance of no negotiations and accept a ban that would result in a 217 game penalty if implemented Friday and a loss of $34.5 million in salary. Rodriguez would still be due $61 million in from 2015 2017 as well as a possible $30 million in bonuses if he averts a lifetime suspension.
At this point Rodriguez is intent on playing this season. The Yankees announced Thursday night that he's scheduled to play in rehab games Friday and Saturday night at Class AA Trenton (N.J.). He could be activated next week when the Yankees play against the White Sox in Chicago if not suspended.
I would imagine that (MLB has) told the union 'This is what we have on him ' New York labor attorney Joseph Farelli told USA TODAY Sports. 'If you want to cut a deal this is what you got. If not we'll go for the whole ball of wax the lifetime ban.'
MLB is expected to announce in the next 72 hours that at least eight players have been suspended 50 games for their role in the Biogenesis clinic with virtually all of them accepting their penalty. Ryan Braun the 2011 National League MVP accepted a 65 game suspension last week. Yet while all of the names in the Biogenesis probe are expected to be revealed Rodriguez's fate could remain undecided if the sides negotiate.
The evidence (MLB has) must be overwhelming for these other guys to accept it said Farelli a partner at Pitta Giblin LLP. If it was not overwhelming the union would fight it.
I think it really comes down to A Rod's finances whether he thinks he can still play in two years and his legacy. And his legacy is probably nothing right now.
It's his legacy those close to Rodriguez say that makes him so persistent in his return to baseball. He refuses to acknowledge that he cheated since joining the Yankees in 2004 although he admitted to performance enhancing drug use during his days playing for the Texas Rangers from 2001 03.
If he accepts any penalty imposed by Commissioner Bud Selig he would have to acknowledge guilt although he could avoid specifics just like Braun's public admission.
But if Rodriguez fights Selig he runs the risk of MLB investigators exposing the dirty details they've collected in talking to Tony Bosch head of Biogenesis who has provided baseball with information about his operation.
Rodriguez insecure by nature must decide which process is less painful. Most important he must determine which avenue provides him the best opportunity to restore his image.
Rodriguez is convinced he would win an appeal at least reducing his suspension and he's probably right. It's unlikely an arbitrator would allow Selig to toss Rodriguez out of the game becoming the only person besides Pete Rose to receive a lifetime ban since the Black Sox scandal.
If Braun received a 65 game suspension for his role in the Biogenesis clinic Rodriguez wonders how deserves a suspension nearly three times in length let alone a lifetime ban.
GALLERY A ROD THROUGH THE YEARS
Last SlideNext SlideThe trouble with an appeal and in particular if Rodriguez decides to file suit against MLB is it takes time which is not on his side after turning 38 on July 27. If he sues MLB the case may not be heard until next summer possibly stripping him of another season.
The Commissioner is in a no lose situation Farelli said. What happens if the commissioner loses Big deal. The legal case would stretch out until next season.
If Rodriguez accepts a penalty covering next season he would be four months shy of his 40th birthday on opening day in 2015. Considering he has not played a major league game since October after undergoing his second hip surgery in four years Rodriguez may not be able to walk to the grocery store let alone play baseball.
Rodriguez knows he needs to come back before next year's All Star break if he's going to have a real chance of playing again.
I'm getting a little more gray and starting to lose my hair Rodriguez told USA TODAY Sports last month. But I'm at a point in my career where I'm playing with the chips of the house. If I go out and something happens to me well I know I did everything I possibly could. I know that any day could be my last. I'm just going to let the chips fall where they may.
And you know something I'm OK with that.
Perhaps his best strategy is to truly come clean and enter a rehabilitation center in hopes of getting off PEDs once and for all.
It's no different than a recreational drug user or alcoholic. Go to treatment center for 30 days and throw yourself at the mercy of Selig.
Maybe there would be compassion with Rodriguez telling everybody he is scared of failure and playing the game without chemical assistance.
Certainly it's not about the money for Rodriguez. He was guaranteed $275 million when he signed his 10 year deal on Dec. 13 2007. There was no financial gain to dope.
Can't baseball give him a second chance Texas Rangers minor league outfielder Manny Ramirez is on his third chance after twice being suspended for testosterone use. Steve Howe was suspended seven times with his cocaine problems.
I know it sounds crazy Farelli said but A Rod could be made out to be a martyr in all this.''
It may be his only hope.
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