Stay-Rod?

In a startling turn of events, Alex Rodriguez spoke with the Steinbrenner family and New York Yankees officials yesterday and told them he wants to stay in pinstripes.

His longtime agent, Scott Boras, wasn't involved in the talks.

"The past is the past. I don't know what brought about him approaching us," Yankees senior vice president Hank Steinbrenner said. "I guess you could say things didn't go the way before that he intended on and weren't handled properly or whatever.

"But the bottom line, the only thing that really matters, is he wants to stay a Yankee. And it could be very well that he's always wanted to stay a Yankee and we just didn't know it."

Rodriguez, likely to win his third American League MVP award next week, had not made any public statements since becoming a free agent after the Yankees' first-round loss to Cleveland in the playoffs. After consulting with his wife and family, Rodriguez reached out to Hank and his brother, Hal, through a third party.

"It became clear to me that I needed to make an attempt to engage the Yankees regarding my future with the organization," Rodriguez said in a statement. "Prior to entering into serious negotiations with other clubs, I wanted the opportunity to share my thoughts directly with Yankees' ownership. We know there are other opportunities for us, but Cynthia and I have a foundation with the club that has brought us comfort, stability and happiness."

When first contacted, the Yankees wondered whether the message was serious. Before Rodriguez terminated his record $252 million, 10-year contract Oct. 28 -- forfeiting $72 million over the final three seasons -- Boras told the Yankees they would have to make a $350 million offer just to get a meeting with the third baseman.

More Yankees

Outfielder Hideki Matsui had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and is expected to be ready for the start of spring training.

Red Sox

Boston will open the 2008 season in Tokyo, and the World Series champions could be leaving Japan's biggest baseball star behind.

Pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka might miss Boston's March 25-26 series against the Oakland Athletics at the Tokyo Dome because his wife is expecting to deliver their second baby around that time. Red Sox president Larry Lucchino said the team and the commissioner's office were aware of the potential conflict.

"We're hopeful that their second child will be born at such a time to allow him to participate," Lucchino said in a conference call. "We are hopeful, but we do recognize that he has an important obligation with respect to the birth of that child."

Matsuzaka's first child was born in Japan. It's not clear whether the Matsuzakas plan to deliver in Japan or the United States this time.

The Red Sox paid a record $51.11 million for the rights to talk to Matsuzaka last offseason and another $52 million to sign him for six years. He went 15-12 with a 4.40 ERA as a rookie and after stumbling in his first two playoff starts, he won his final two to help the Red Sox win their second World Series in four seasons.

Even if he can't pitch in his homeland, the Red Sox won't be visiting empty-handed. Lefty Hideki Okajima, who was a key part of the Boston bullpen in the regular and postseason, could return to the stadium where he spent most of his 12-year Japanese big-league career.

Devil Rays

Relief pitcher Al Reyes' $2.3 million option was exercised by Tampa Bay, which declined a $1 million option on designated hitter Greg Norton.

Also, despite money woes that have lawmakers scrambling to pay for state programs, Gov. Charlie Crist said that he thinks the state should try to figure out a way to help the Devil Rays build a new waterfront ballpark in St. Petersburg. The Devil Rays earlier this month announced plans for a $450 million, 35,000-seat, open-air downtown stadium.

Brewers

Relief pitcher Randy Choate and Milwaukee agreed to a one-year contract. Choate's split contract would pay him $500,000 in the majors and $75,000 in the minors.