A-Rod Goes Full Circle

The Daily News reported that All-Star third baseman Alex Rodriguez is re-opening talks with the New York Yankees on a surprise deal that would bring him back to the Bronx. According to the report, Rodriguez has been negotiating with Yankee officials alone, without the help of his agent Scott Boras. However, it appears the Yankees are not willing to discuss a contract with Rodriguez if Boras is present. A club source told the Daily News, "We will not negotiate with Scott Boras. He cannot be in the room."

A report published on Yankees.com Wednesday evening revealed that the Yankees and Rodriguez are close to agreeing on a multi-year $290 million dollar contract. The Yankees also denied a report published earlier in the day regarding their unwillingness to negotiate with Boras present.

Rodriguez contacted Hank and Hal Steinbrenner through a third person party and plans to visit them in Tampa, FL before a deal would be settled. The Yankees do acknowledge that Rodriguez could be luring them into conversations only to drive his price up in the open market as a free agent. However, a Yankee official told the Daily News that it doesn't appear to be the case.

Rodriguez released a statement on his website AROD.com stating,

"Cynthia and I have since spoken directly with the Steinbrenner family. During these healthy discussions, both sides were able to share honest feelings and hopes with one another, and we expect to continue this dialogue with the Yankees over the next few days." , said Rodriguez.

According to Rodriguez he approached the Steinbrenner family through a third-party intermediary. The contact apparently has strong ties with both Rodriguez and the Yankee organization.

After a stellar 2007 season, Rodriguez is likely to be named the American League Most Valuable Player next Monday. He led the Major League in home runs (54), RBI's (156) and runs scored (143), in 2007. He also batted .318 with 24 stolen bases. He is the most highly touted free agent this offseason and the youngest player to ever hit 500 HR.

On Tuesday the Yankees re-signed All-Star catched Jorge Posada to a 4-year deal worth an estimated $52.5 million. Yankees closer Mariano Rivera remains unsigned but was offered a 3-year deal worth $45 million, which would consequently make him the highest paid closer in the game by $4 million. Rivera has not informed the Yankees if he will accept the offer.

THE GARDEN IS BACK!

(Pierce, Garnett, and Allen, the Big Three enjoying themselves during Game 1)

The NBA season got underway last week and I happened to be in attendance for the Boston Celtics home opener against the Washington Wizards. The Celtics entered the game facing high expectations after acquiring superstars Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen in the off-season. Their acquisitions, along with Celtics veteran Paul Pierce have propelled the team in to contention for the Eastern Conference Championship, as well as a possible run for the NBA Championship.

It was a sellout crowd of 18,624 at the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, MA. I hadn’t seen that many people attend a Celtics game in very long time. Before the tip-off the Celtics revealed they had dedicated their court to Hall of Fame Boston Celtic Coach Red Auerbach, who passed away last season. It was an honor to witness such an event.

Throughout the game the crowd became involved in harassing Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas. The chants of, “GIL-BERRRRT!” were deafening. It was a very surreal atmosphere at the game.

The Celtics went on to win the game 103-83. Garnett finished the game with 22 points and 20 rebounds earning him honor as the player of the night. He made a huge impression on Celtics fans. He further pleased the crowd by blocking Gilbert Arenas on an attempt to drive to the basket in the 3rd quarter. While following through with the block, he slammed Arenas down to the court, inciting the crowd to go wild.

Following the game Paul Pierce said he only wished Red could have been there to witness the game. He also noted that he feels he is in a better place in his career and that he wishes to finish his career with the Boston Celtics.

The Celtics may well be on the verge of returning to glory with their current setup of Allen, Garnett and Pierce. The energy surrounding the team is positive and full of charisma, hope and dreams of obtaining an NBA Title.

They won their second game Sunday in a very close battle against the Toronto Raptors. Allen scored a team high 33 points while Kevin Garnett earned his second double-double of the season with 23 points and 13 rebounds. Garnett and Raptors forward Chris Bosh were battling throughout the game for rebounds. It was a great game the Celtics managed to win in overtime 98-95.

The Celtics host the Denver Nuggets tonight at 7:30pm on Comcast Sports Network. It figures to be a great match-up with Denver Nuggets stars Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson coming to Boston to face Garnett, Allen and Pierce (“The Big Three”). Also tonight will feature the return of University of Massachusetts alum Marcus Camby.

The return to glory for the Boston Celtics is officially underway.