Selig Gives Nod to A-Rod

Despite concerns about the financial burden placed on the Texas Rangers, Commissioner Bud Selig on Monday approved the record-setting trade of Alex Rodriguez from the Rangers to the New York Yankees, allowing the most storied franchise in baseball to fortify an already potent lineup with one of the best players in the game.

The Rangers received second baseman Alfonso Soriano and a player to be named but must pay $67 million of the $179 million remaining on Rodriguez’s $252-million, 10-year contract. It is the most cash included in a trade in major league history.

Selig expressed concerns over the amount of money owed by the Rangers and the length of time over which they are paying it -- through 2025.

“I want to make it abundantly clear to all clubs that I will not allow cash transfers of this magnitude to become the norm,” Selig said in a statement. “However, given the unique circumstances, including the size, length and complexity of Mr. Rodriguez’s contract, and the quality of the talent moving in both directions, I have decided to approve the transaction.”

Rodriguez, the first reigning most valuable player to be traded, will be introduced today at Yankee Stadium wearing a new number and playing a new position. The 28-year-old has worn No. 3 throughout his career but will have to switch because that number -- worn by Babe Ruth -- has been retired by the Yankees. Reportedly he will wear No. 13.

Rodriguez also will move from shortstop -- a position already manned by Yankee captain Derek Jeter -- to third base, replacing Aaron Boone, who tore a knee ligament playing basketball last month and may be sidelined for the season.

“That says that he’s interested in playing baseball in October and being part of a world championship,” Dodger Manager Jim Tracy said of Rodriguez. “That’s the unselfishness of a superstar that, just by that action alone, strongly suggests, ‘Hey, I’m interested in what’s good for the whole.’ ”

In Texas, Rodriguez played on three teams that finished last in the American League West. But he will be the cornerstone of a lineup that also includes Jeter, first baseman Jason Giambi and outfielders Gary Sheffield and Bernie Williams.

The signing of Rodriguez, which Yankee owner George Steinbrenner likened to the acquisition of slugger Reggie Jackson before the 1977 season -- “I’m pretty excited. This is a big, big one,” he said -- gives the Yankees six of the top 12 salaries in baseball. The Yankee payroll is expected to be in the $190-million range.

But Yankee General Manager Brian Cashman cautioned that spending the most money doesn’t guarantee success, a thought echoed by Dodger owner Frank McCourt.

“I just don’t think at the end of the day it’s the formula for long-term success,” McCourt said. “We’ve seen time in and time out that it’s not always the highest payroll that wins. We’ve seen it in the world championship for the last couple of years.

“When the game begins, it’s not the payroll that’s playing, it’s the players that are playing.”

The Dodgers will get an up-close and personal look at Rodriguez when they play host to the Yankees from June 18-20 at Dodger Stadium.

“Fortunately for me as of this morning, I got a chance to get out of the American League, so I don’t have to worry about them as much,” said new Dodger General Manager Paul DePodesta, formerly an assistant general manager with the Oakland Athletics. “There are some great teams in the American League, and it will be an exciting season over there.”

The deal is a victory for the Yankees in their heated arms race with the Boston Red Sox, who several months ago had dangled All-Star outfielder Manny Ramirez in a proposed trade for Rodriguez. But the talks fell apart when the players’ union refused to approve changes to Rodriguez’s contract.

“[Steinbrenner] knows he’s got to beat those guys from Beantown, and he knows they’re doing everything they can to beat him,” Dodger senior vice president Tom Lasorda said. “That’s the reason why he’s doing it.”

Rodriguez, who hit .298 with 47 home runs and 118 runs batted in last season, will make $15 million in each of the next three seasons, $16 million each in 2007 and 2008, $17 million in 2009 and $18 million in 2010.

Freed from the brunt of the financial albatross that was Rodriguez’s contract, Ranger owner Tom Hicks said his team now has the money to keep its marquee players and attract free agents. On Monday, Texas announced a five-year deal for All-Star third baseman Hank Blalock.

“Both of my baseball experts gave me their advice, and it was that we can build a championship team faster by doing this trade today,” Hicks said, referring to General Manager John Hart and assistant Grady Fuson. “I think that’s what it’s all about. We are rebuilding.”

The Rangers also get a versatile talent in Soriano, who can also play shortstop or center field and is the only player besides Barry Bonds and Willie Mays with at least 35 homers and 35 steals in consecutive seasons. Soriano’s position will be determined during spring training.

The 26-year-old, who last season hit .290 with 38 homers and 91 RBIs, will make $5.4 million this season and can’t become a free agent until after the 2006 season.

*

Associated Press contributed to this report.

*

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX)

Yankee Lineup

New York Yankees’ projected 2004 lineup:

*--* N. Player P 2003 stats 1. Kenny Lofton CF 277, 18 SB 2. Derek Jeter SS 324, 87 runs 3. Alex Rodriguez 3B 298, 47 HR, 118 RBIs 4. Jason Giambi 1B 302, 41 HR, 107 RBIs 5. Gary Sheffield RF 330, 39 HR, 132 RBIs 6. Bernie Williams DH 263, 15 HR, 64 RBIs 7. Hideki Matsui LF 287, 16 HR, 106 RBIs 8. Jorge Posada C 281, 30 HR, 101 RBIs 9. Enrique Wilson 2B 230, 135 AB

*--*

*

Pinstripes Pay Well

Yearly salaries of the New York Yankees’ projected 2004 lineup:

N. Player P Salary

1. Kenny Lofton CF $3.1 mil.

2. Derek Jeter SS $18.9 mil.

3. Alex Rodriguez 3B $25.2 mil.

4. Jason Giambi 1B $17.1 mil.

5. Gary Sheffield RF $13.0 mil.

6. Bernie Williams DH $12.3 mil.

7. Hideki Matsui LF $6.0 mil.

8. Jorge Posada C $8.0 mil.

9. Enrique Wilson 2B $700,000