Buffett Helps Keep A-Rod in Pinstripes

Investor told slugger to negotiate deal sans his superagent
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 17, 2007 5:36 PM CST
Buffett Helps Keep A-Rod in Pinstripes
Then-Texas Rangers shortstop Alex Rodriguez, right, and his agent Scott Boras, talk to reporters in this Dec. 17, 2003 file photo, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)   (Associated Press)

When Alex Rodriguez did an end run around agent Scott Boras to make a deal with the Yankees, he wasn't without high-powered advice, reports the Wall Street Journal: Warren Buffett told him to do it. A worried A-Rod called the Sage of Omaha, a personal friend, as sports scribes blasted the slugger for leaving the Yanks. What did Buffett tell A-Rod, whose agent had set his price tag too high? Approach the Yanks without him.

A-Rod also used Goldman Sachs toppers, who extended an olive branch to the team. "He's genuine," Goldman partner Gerry Cardinale reportedly told Yankee prez Randy Levine. "I think you guys should hear him out." Once the Steinbrenners got involved, Goldman execs let A-Rod negotiate his own reported 10-year deal worth up to $275 million. Buffett summed it up: "A-Rod really loves being a Yankee." (More Warren Buffett stories.)

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