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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

(Newser) – 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."

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)

American League's Alex Rodriguez, right, of the New York Yankees, chats with National League's Barry Bonds, of the San Francisco Giants, during the All-Star Home Run Baseball Derby in San Francisco, ... (Associated Press)

New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez waves toward the stands before taking batting practice prior to Game 3 of the American League Division Series playoff baseball game against the Cleveland Indians at Yankee... (Associated Press)

New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez dons his batting helmet to take batting practice before Game 3 of the Yankees' American League baseball division playoff series against the Cleveland Indians at Yankee... (Associated Press)

New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, left, places his hands on the shoulders of third baseman Alex Rodriguez (13) as they talk following batting practice at spring training, in this Feb. 26, 2005... (Associated Press)

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Buffett Helps Keep A-Rod in Pinstripes

Investor told slugger to negotiate deal sans his superagent

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MLB had slammed him for revealing opt-out news during Series

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Buffett Helps Keep A-Rod in Pinstripes

Investor told slugger to negotiate deal sans his superagent

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

MLB • Goldman Sachs • New York Yankees • Warren Buffett • Alex Rodriguez • Scott Boras • baseball

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Another Regular Season Award for A-Rod

Yankees slugger wins his third AL MVP in convincing fashion

A-Rod Stays, Thanks to Wall St.

Goldman Sachs exec brokers deal

Yanks $100M Short on A-Rod

The all-star wanted a deal with $350 million

Agent Says 'Sorry' for A-Rod Timing

MLB had slammed him for revealing opt-out news during Series

A-Rod Faces Suspension Over Poker Games

League to interview Yankees' Rodriguez about alleged gambling

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Newser By Users

Community

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