Piniella wants to acquire A-Rod

[McCarroll21]

Piniella expects Cubs to go hard after A-Rod (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2628823)Sources familiar with the situation told ESPN.com that Piniella, who is extremely close to Rodriguez, expects the Cubs to aggressively pursue the 10-time All-Star. The 63-year-old manager and the 31-year-old Rodriguez have what amounts to a quasi-father/son relationship; Rodriguez was managed in Seattle by Piniella from 1994-2000. It is that relationship -- and the tantalizing talent of Rodriguez -- that has prompted Piniella to want to explore a trade with the Yankees.

....

With the hiring of Piniella, it is understood that the Cubs will expand their payroll, which was close to $100 million in 2006. Depending on how much they want to spend, the Cubs are one of the few teams capable of taking on Rodriguez's salary. He is owed $95 million for the remaining four years of the landmark 10-year, $252 million deal, he signed with Texas. The Yankees are responsible for paying $66.6 million; the Rangers are paying the other $28.4 million.

A Cubs deal with the Yankees potentially could include third baseman Aramis Ramirez (career highs of 38 home runs and 119 RBI in the regular season), but Ramirez can opt out of his contract and become a free agent this offseason. It is thought the Yankees would also want a quality starting pitcher in any deal involving Rodriguez.Sure didn't take him long to get his say in. If we can't get him, I hope he goes to Chicago. Anything to keep him from going to the Mets or Phillies will be fine by me.

[Jsh1284]

Wow I didnt expect that.

Too bad for the Cubs, Rodriguez won't solve their problems. But your right Mc. I hate to see the guy in the National League but better the Central than the East.

[vnodnarb]

not sure what quality starter they would give up, zambrano im sure is untouchable, would the yanks be dumb enough to bite on prior?

[Vuchato]

It'd probably take Zambrano straight up, or something like Prior+Pie or Prior+Ramirez if he doesn't opt out.

[Adam's Army]

Wow, Pinella isnt wasting anytime. you think he would like to get settled and get a little more familar with the Cubs before saying he wants A-Rod. Personally, I dont think its a good idea. Unless the Cubs are increasing their payroll to the level of the Yankees, Red Sox, or even the Mets, then A-Rod isnt worth it. How come so many people havent figured out that when you try to hir some big name FA to fix all of your problems, chances are its not going to work out.

[thunderwing]

Well people are forgetting A Rod has a no trade clause and he apparently wants to stay in new york from what the papers have been saying, I don't see him leaving, not in the near future that is.

[McCarroll21]

Well people are forgetting A Rod has a no trade clause and he apparently wants to stay in new york from what the papers have been saying, I don't see him leaving, not in the near future that is.
While true about him having a no-trade, he's accepted a move with it before. I think he would accept a trade to either Chicago or Atlanta. He'd probably accept one to the Marlins, too, but that won't happen because they aren't in a situation to get him. He wants to come back hom, and we're the closest team to Miami that could get him ... and Piniella will make him want to go to Chicago.