Rodriguez trade still remains a possibility

NEW YORK -- A-Rod playing alongside Curt Schilling in Fenway Park next season -- it could happen as the Boston Red Sox try to beat the New York Yankees in a heated game of "Can you top this?"

The Red Sox are discussing acquiring the AL MVP Alex Rodriguez from the Texas Rangers for Manny Ramirez in what would be a swap of the only $20 million-a-year players in baseball history.

Rodriguez has reached 47 homers and 118 RBIs in three straight seasons. Ramirez, an outfielder, had at least 33 homers and 104 RBIs in each of his three years in Boston.

"A-Rod's the best player in the game, and he plays a premium defensive position," said Rodriguez's agent, Scott Boras. "He certainly brings a moniker to a franchise. When a player like that is available, there are teams that are certainly going to do everything they can to pursue him."

Red Sox president Larry Lucchino wouldn't confirm or deny any talks.

The Dallas Morning News reported Friday that Texas would make the deal if Boston would pay a "considerable" part of the remainder of Ramirez's contract. The paper cited sources with knowledge of the discussions.

Rodriguez agreed to a record $252 million, 10-year contract with Texas in Dec. 11, 2000. Ramirez got a $160 million, eight-year deal from the Red Sox the very same day.

Their average salaries remain the two highest in baseball, and following three straight last-place finishes, Texas owner Tom Hicks wants to explore gaining relief from Rodriguez's contract.

If the Red Sox acquired Rodriguez, they almost certainly would trade their current All-Star shortstop, Nomar Garciaparra.

Meanwhile, about 180 free agents faced a midnight Sunday deadline to re-sign with their former teams unless they were offered salary arbitration.

Ivan Rodriguez was set to depart the World Series champion Florida Marlins, and Greg Maddux appeared ready to leave the Atlanta Braves after 11 seasons.

Rodriguez proposed a $40 million, four-year contract Friday during telephone negotiations with Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria, but the two sides reportedly remained far apart.