Alex Rodriguez Takes Beantown: What if Alex Rodriguez Was Traded to the Boston Red Sox in 2003?

[efcfan]

We all know that baseball is a sport that thrives on rivalries. This year, there has been a lot of hype surrounding the Padres/Dodgers games as the Padres look to take away dominance of the NL West from the Dodgers. This situation harkens back to the early 2000s when the Yankees and Red Sox were fighting it out in a white-hot rivalry that burned hottest from 2003-04.

It’s hard to remember given the success of the Red Sox over the past 20 years, but they still had yet to win a World Series going into 2004. The Curse of the Bambino still reared its ugly head, especially after the epic 2003 ALCS between the Yankees and the Red Sox. After Aaron Boone hit the fateful home run in the seventh game of the series, the Red Sox began plotting how to get over the hump. Boston ownership and GM Theo Epstein zeroed in on the man who would give Boston a great shot to finally put the Curse behind them. The man was Alex Rodriguez.

Rodriguez had signed a 10-year contract worth $252 million after the 2000 season to play for the Texas Rangers. This move was widely criticized by fans who called him “A Wad”, and turned him from a sympathetic figure into a player viewed as all about the money and a mercenary. What Rangers owner Tom Hicks and GM John Hart discovered was that no matter how great Rodriguez was, in baseball one player can’t make a team better all by himself. The Rangers never finished with a winning record with Rodriguez, and after the 2003 season began exploring trading Rodriguez to achieve more financial flexibility that they lacked with Rodriguez’s contract.

The Red Sox and Yankees were the two teams that Rodriguez would be willing to waive his no trade clause, and trade talks began in earnest. The Yankees were not able to get a deal done, because of the presence of Derek Jeter at shortstop. Plus, the Yankees had Aaron Boone penciled in at third, and he was the great hero of the postseason despite the Yankees falling to the Florida Marlins in the World Series. It was not likely that Rodriguez would move to third base.

Boston was willing to make the move, even though they had Nomar Garciaparra at shortstop. Garciaparra was going to be a free agent after the 2004 season, and they were concerned about losing him for nothing.

After intense discussions, the Red Sox had agreed a couple of trades to get Rodriguez to become the newest Red Sox. The Red Sox agreed to trade superstar outfielder Manny Ramirez and a young pitching prospect named Jon Lester to the Rangers in exchange for Rodriguez. The Red Sox also agreed a conditional trade with the Chicago White Sox. That trade would send Garciaparra to the White Sox in exchange for outfielder Magglio Ordonez and pitching prospect Brandon McCarthy. The trades were agreed in principle, and it looked like Rodriguez would be making the move to Fenway. But there was a problem.

You see, the Red Sox needed Rodriguez to take a pay cut. He agreed, and in exchange for losing $4 million in annual salary, Rodriguez would get his image rights and the right to opt out of his contract every year starting after the 2005 season. The Players Association vetoed the deal, as they did not want to set the precedent of players being able to devalue an existing contract. The trade was off, and nobody would be moving anywhere. It looked like Rodriguez would be a Ranger in 2004.

In January 2004, Aaron Boone tore his ACL playing pickup basketball. The Yankees suddenly needed a third basemen, and Yankees GM Brian Cashman came up with an idea. Alex Rodriguez at third base next to Jeter. After discussions with Rangers GM John Hart, a deal was agreed. In exchange for the Rangers paying some of Rodriguez’s salary, Alfonso Soriano, and prospect Joaquin Arias, Rodriguez was a Yankee. The deal was announced on February 15, 2004.

It was a bitter blow to the Red Sox. They had spent lots of time trying to get a superstar to get them past the Yankees, only for said superstar to join their rival. The New York Times even famously said that the Rodriguez deal was another example of the Yankees showing the Red Sox how to win. This one trade instantly made the 2004 seasons for both the Yankees and Red Sox front page news, and games between the two teams reached an intensity normally reserved for playoff games. Fox even broadcast the first game between the two teams at Fenway in prime time on national television.

The Red Sox would go on to get the last laugh, as they completed a historic comeback in the 2004 ALCS after losing the first 3 games, including losing Game 3 19-8 at Fenway. Rodriguez was viewed as the goat, as he infamously slapped the ball out of the glove of Bronson Arroyo in Game 6. The Red Sox won the World Series in 2004, and would go on to win titles in 2007, 2013, and 2018.

Rodriguez would have a stormy and controversial tenure as a Yankee, and would eventually become the most hated player in the big leagues. He admitted to using steroids, was accused of cheating on his wife with Madonna, sued both Major League Baseball and the Players Association, was caught up in the Biogenesis scandal, suspended for 162 games, and retired in 2016 as the Yankees didn’t want him on their team further. Rodriguez is still hated by a lot of baseball fans, even as he has started to repair his image by becoming an analyst on television for both ESPN and Fox.

But it didn’t have to be this way. One of the most intriguing alternate history scenarios is what would have happened if Rodriguez was a Red Sox? Does Boston still win the 2004 World Series? What happens to the Yankees? Thankfully OOTP can help to try and answer the question.

In this dynasty report, I will execute the trades and see what would happen by playing as the Red Sox. A couple of ground rules will be explained. First of all, to make sure the trade goes through, I will have the Rangers pay 15% of Rodriguez’s salary, so it would pass muster. Also, the thread will take a look at how the players and teams that were involved in the trades pan out. Also, I’m not sure if Boone’s ACL is reflected in the game, so if it is then that injury will be removed as a butterfly effect, and the same will apply to Nomar’s bad foot in real life.

One last thing, I am not a Red Sox fan or a Yankees fan. I’m a Twins fan, and consider myself neutral in the Yankees/Red Sox rivalry. Honestly, the Yankees are my least favorite team, but that is because of the history the Twins have with the Yankees. That being said, I will do my best to put any bias I have aside for the sake of the story.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to share them, and hopefully I explained everything to the best of my ability.

[beepollen]

WHAT?! And deny us the A-Rod/Tek throwdown?!

[efcfan]

Originally Posted by beepollen

WHAT?! And deny us the A-Rod/Tek throwdown?!

That was the turning point for Boston that year. But sacrifices have to be made, and I’m hurting the Twins too with giving Nomar to the White Sox.

[jg2977]

If A-Rod was on the Red Sox, the Yankees would have won the World Series in 2004, 2007, 2013 and 2018. The Red Sox would have had to wait until 2009 to break their curse.

[efcfan]

Originally Posted by jg2977

If A-Rod was on the Red Sox, the Yankees would have won the World Series in 2004, 2007, 2013 and 2018. The Red Sox would have had to wait until 2009 to break their curse.

I can see your argument, as the Red Sox had the payroll flexibility and more depth especially with not sending Lester. It's interesting that the Nationals for instance won the World Series after seeing Harper sign with the Phillies.
I'm curious to see how things go, and see if someone else besides the Yankees or Red Sox wins in 2004.

[efcfan]

Sports Illustrated: MLB Season Preview

Boston Expects: Can Alex Rodriguez Put the Red Sox Over the Top?

Fort Myers, Florida—As a throng of Red Sox fans surround their newest superstar, they have reason to believe. 2004 could be the year that the Red Sox are going to end the Curse of the Bambino. It’s not just that they believe that the front office has addressed the issues that led to Aaron Boone hitting the dagger home run in the Bronx. It’s not that they hired Terry Francona to lead the team, and the signings of Curt Schilling and Keith Foulke. No, it isn’t even Magglio Ordonez taking the place of Manny Ramirez. It’s Alex Rodriguez.

Eyebrows were raised when the Red Sox sent Nomar Garciaparra to the White Sox to clear shortstop for Rodriguez, but GM Theo Epstein didn’t bat an eye. “Obviously, Nomar was one of the faces of the Red Sox along with Pedro, but when you have the chance to acquire the best player in baseball, you take a chance. Alex has embraced the history, and he has adjusted well to being on this team. He’s been a model citizen and we hope that he can vault us over the top.”

Rodriguez agreed, and had a smile on his face while signing autographs. “When the chance presented itself during the offseason, it was really intriguing. The Red Sox fans are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the team, and they have been welcoming of me and Cynthia after we moved to Brookline. I’m not naïve to understand why I am here, and that is to win a World Series.”

The Red Sox have been installed as favorites to win the AL East, and predicted to win 100 games. With Curt Schilling joining Pedro Martinez at the top of the Red Sox rotation, a bullpen that has a true closer, and Magglio Ordonez replacing Ramirez in the outfield, there is reason for optimism.

The Yankees will still be a factor. They signed Gary Sheffield, acquired Kevin Brown from the Dodgers, and are looking to get the World Series title that the Marlins beat them to behind Josh Beckett on that October night in the Bronx.

In the Central, the Twins and White Sox are going to battle it out, and the West will be fought between the Angels and A’s.

[efcfan]

Boston Globe, April 5, 2004

Sox Win, Mixed Debuts For New Acquisitions

Baltimore--- Lost in the hoopla of the Rodriguez trade, there were other players who the Sox acquired. And with help from returning players, the Red Sox beat the Baltimore Orioles 11-3 at Camden Yards yesterday. Magglio Ordonez had a very good debut by going 2 for 4, and driving in 3 runs.

As for Alex Rodriguez, he went 0 for 5 and only reached on an error by the Orioles after popping up to second. It’s one game, but this is a different market then he is used to in Seattle and Texas. These fans expect more out of him, and he will need to pick it up. When asked about his experience after the game, he was calm. “A tough start, but it’s one game. No excuses though. I’m going to do a lot better tomorrow, and the good news is that guys like Magglio can step up. This isn’t the Boston Alex Rodriguez’s.”

Pedro Martinez allowed only 1 run in 7 innings of work, and left the game having been given a huge 8th inning. Thanks to a meltdown by the Oriole relievers, 8 runs crossed the plate, and gave enough breathing room to allow Terry Francona to rest the real bullpen for a night.
The Sox have 3 more in Baltimore, before the home opener on Friday against Toronto. Tickets are sold out, and then we wait until the Yankees come to Fenway later in the month.

[efcfan]

April 16, 2004. Yankees vs. Red Sox, Fenway Park. From the Fox national broadcast

Broadcast Open:

Jeannie Zelasko: Good evening, and we welcome you to Fenway Park in Boston for the season opener of Fox’s coverage of Major League Baseball in the year 2004. Last year, the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox played in an epic ALCS, and it was the Yankees who prevailed when Aaron Boone became a hero in New York, and a villain in Boston after hitting a walk off homer in Game 7 of Tim Wakefield. But the Red Sox are determined that this year will be different, and the fans in New England believe that they have the team to beat the Yankees. Alex Rodriguez and Magglio Ordonez were brought in to fortify the offense, while Keith Foulke and Curt Schilling were brought in to improve the pitching staff. As for the Yankees, they brought in Gary Sheffield, Kevin Brown, and Javier Vasquez. And now we welcome you to the field here at Fenway. I’m Jeannie Zelasko along with Kevin Kennedy. Kevin, this has the feel of a playoff game, but it is only a Friday night in April.

Kevin Kennedy: Jeannie, these two teams were the talk of the offseason, and it seems like the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry has been taken to a whole new level even after the ALCS. Both teams were targeting Javier Vasquez and Curt Schilling to help their pitching staffs, and it’s fitting that Schilling will start against Vasquez.

Pregame Open:

Zelasko: It’s time to send things up to the broadcast booth. Joe Buck and
Tim McCarver are standing by, and enjoy the game. Joe Buck, take it away.

Joe Buck: Thanks Jeannie, and welcome to the broadcast booth. This is the first game of a 4 game set here at Fenway, and the pitching matchup is Javier Vasquez for the Yankees against Curt Schilling for the Red Sox. I’m Joe Buck, and Tim McCarver is coming right up. This matchup has been anticipated almost since Aaron Boone’s home run cleared the fence last October. The Red Sox have retooled, and there has been mixed results for the two big acquisitions. Tim McCarver, what do you think?

Tim McCarver: That’s a fair assessment. Alex Rodriguez has struggled in the early going, hitting below .200. I think he’s pressing a bit, and he’s under more pressure than Magglio Ordonez. Rodriguez is replacing the popular Nomar Garciaparra, and he’s the man on this team. Ordonez has been hitting around .500, and has been getting on base more consistently. The good news for the Red Sox has been Jason Varitek, who has been hitting for more power. I wouldn’t worry too much about Rodriguez though, he will come through.

First Inning:

Buck: Jeter steps in to lead off the game against Curt Schilling. First pitch is a fastball, and Jeter drives it deep to right center, and that ball will clear the fence! Derek Jeter goes deep on the first pitch from Schilling, and you can hear a pin drop as the sellout crowd in Boston goes dead quiet! 1-0 Yankees.

(Bottom of the inning)

Buck: One out in the third, as Alex Rodriguez steps into the box. Vasquez fires a cutter, which just misses the zone. 1-0 count.
McCarver: It would really help A-Rod to drive in a run, both for his own confidence as well as to make a good first impression in this rivalry. He’s been having good at bats, but it’s been hard.

Buck: Vasquez fires in the 1-0, and Rodriguez puts a good swing on it. That ball is going deep to left center, and it clears the fence! In his first plate appearance against the Yankees, Alex Rodriguez makes it a 2-1 ball game, and the Boston fans are roaring with approval.
(Cut to later)

Buck: 1 out, runner on third base for last year’s batting champion Bill Mueller. The 1-1 fastball is hit high out into center field. Williams has it, and Ortiz will test him. The throw goes into the infield, and it’s 3-1 Red Sox.

Second Inning:

Buck: Alex Rodriguez comes up with runners on first and second, and last time up he hit a home run to give Boston the lead. Action already for Joe Torre in the Yankee bullpen.

McCarver: Vasquez is probably pitching to stay in this game, and this is trouble. With a count of 1-2 and two outs, Vazquez just needs one pitch to get out of it.

Buck: Ball is hit over the head of the middle infielders, and goes into center on a line drive. Kapler will test Bernie, and the throw comes into Posada. But Kapler beats it out. 4-1 Red Sox, and Alex Rodriguez has 3 RBI in his first game against the Yankees in a Red Sox uniform.

McCarver: That pitch was flat. Rodriguez didn’t try and overpower the ball, and hit it hard enough. When Kapler was sent, I wasn’t a fan of it, but he was able to beat the throw. And at least for now, all is right between A-Rod and Red Sox Nation. Maybe this trade might work out?

(cut to later in the inning)

Buck: Ortiz rips a base hit down the line, as Matsui can’t get to it. Millar will go home, and the throw is not close. It’s now 5-1 Boston, and Joe Torre will come to the mound and it looks like Vasquez is done for the evening, and it’s fair to say that this is the last thing that Torre wanted in the first game of a series.

McCarver: This game started off so well for the Yankees, but Vasquez really struggled for much of the evening. His pitches were flat, and I feel like he didn’t really adjust. That being said, credit to the Red Sox for not going into the tank when things went bad, for extending the lead early. Something they didn’t do in the Bronx last year.

Buck: Tim, you are probably going to be crushed for that comment on WEEI.

McCarver: Well, I guess so. Red Sox fans are like that sometimes.

Fourth Inning:

Buck: Jeff Karstens will stay in the game, and the hope is that he can stop the bleeding and keep the Yankees within reach. Gabe Kapler is up, and the 1-1 pitch is smashed down the line, if it stays fair it’s gone, and it will. Kapler makes it 6-1, and it’s clear that Ortiz, Rodriguez, and Ordonez are not the lone offensive threats in this Boston lineup.
(cut to later in the inning)

Buck: Runner on third for Ortiz after the Rodriguez strikeout, and Karstens has a chance to get out of the inning fairly cleanly. But Ortiz gets into it, and sends it to deep right center field, and good bye. Another home run for the Red Sox, and it’s 8-1 in favor of the Red Sox.

McCarver: Well, the Yankees pitching staff really didn’t come to play tonight. Curt Schilling doesn’t need much help, but he’s getting all the help tonight, and the Sox should rest a bullpen that worked a bunch against the Orioles in their last series this week.

Seventh Inning:

Buck: We have runners at the corners, and nobody out. Jason Varitek has a 0-1 count. If you are just joining us tonight, Boston has an 8-1 lead. Varitek goes after the pitch and hits a grounder to Soriano. He’ll flip it to Jeter for one, and Jeter will complete the double play as Varitek doesn’t run super well. Ordonez comes in, and it is 9-1 Sox.

McCarver: Jason will not get credit for the RBI, but did his job. And now Mark Bellhorn comes to the plate. He replaces Todd Walker and Damian Jackson at second. If you remember, Jackson collided with Johnny Damon last year in Game 5 against the Oakland Athletics, and Damon had to be taken out of the Coliseum in an ambulance.

Buck: Yeah, and Bellhorn has been pretty solid, though he is going to be overshadowed by his middle infielder partner in Rodriguez. Well, I’ll take it back. He just hit a solo home run, and it is 10-1 to Boston. Everything has gone their way since the leadoff Jeter home run a couple hours ago.

Ninth Inning:

Buck: Schilling will not get the chance to finish the game, as 24 year old Josh Stevens will get the 9th. Stevens pitched last year at AA Portland in Maine. Maine is also the home of famed horror writer Stephen King, who is in attendance tonight. And there he is.

McCarver: The Yankees are in a Dark Tower right now.

Buck: Nice pop culture reference, partner.

McCarver: It’s a good book series, and the Yankees have suffered a horror show tonight.

Buck: Posada hits a two-run home run, to make it 10-3.
McCarver: Well, it’s something. But too little too late.

Buck: Here is the first pitch to Matsui, and that ball will find the seats as Kapler turns his back. Back-to-back shots makes it 10-4.

McCarver: Looks like action is happening in the bullpen for Terry Francona. Brandon McCarthy is taking off his jacket.

Buck: He was acquired in the Nomar trade with the White Sox.

(cut to later in the inning)

Buck: Groundball hit to Rodriguez, and Jeter will be out by 2 steps. The Boston Red Sox take round 1 against the Evil Empire 10-4. Curt Schilling gets the win with assists from Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz hitting home runs to put the game out of reach in the early innings. Jeannie will have the postgame show, and then your late local news will follow except on the West Coast.

Postgame:

Zelasko: I’m here with Alex Rodriguez, as Red Sox fans celebrate while leaving Fenway. Alex, given all of the hype for this game, were you pleased with your performance?

Alex Rodriguez: When I came here, ownership made it perfectly clear about what was expected this year, and I know that a lot of people here want that success. I’m not going to lie, I didn’t have the success I wanted so far. But we currently lead the AL East by 2.5 games over Tampa Bay, and it was great to get that home run. Also, driving in that third run was nice. More importantly, we had a nice team effort offensively, and Curt pitched well tonight.

Zelasko: Do you think that you can win the AL East? The Red Sox are 9-2 and the Yankees are 4-7?

Rodriguez: I knew you were going to ask that question! Too early, and it’s a long season. We’re just gonna play the best we can. I was attracted to Boston not only for the rivalry, but because anybody on the team that ends the Curse will be special. But we are promised nothing. I’m not from New England, and I haven’t lived the heartbreak that this fanbase has been through. All I can say is keep the faith to our fans, and see what happens.

Zelasko: Indeed. Thanks for talking with us Alex.

Rodriguez: Thanks Jeannie. Have a good one.

Zelasko: That was Alex Rodriguez. So, on a night where the Red Sox fell behind early thanks to Derek Jeter, their stars came through and they win 10-4. For Joe Buck, Tim McCarver, Kevin Kennedy, and the rest of our Fox Sports crew, I’m Jeannie Zelasko saying good night from Fenway Park in Boston. This was a presentation of Fox Sports, and your late local news is coming up next except on the West Coast. This was a presentation of Major League Baseball on Fox, your exclusive home of Fox Saturday Baseball, the Midsummer Classic, the League Championship Series, and the World Series coming in October.

Things have been going well, and I hope you liked having the broadcast. I kept Fox broadcasting the first Sox-Yanks game as even with A-Rod going to Boston, there would be enough hype to have Fox show that game nationally in primetime. If you guys have any questions about what else is going on, feel free to ask. I'll have a full wrap in April, and plan to show how Aaron Boone, Manny Ramirez, Jon Lester, Alfonso Soriano, and the Red Sox acquisitions are doing.

[efcfan]

It's May 1st of 2004, and it's time to look at how things are going for the players in this simulation of what would have happened if Alex Rodriguez had been traded to Boston.

AL Standings:


We have been going pretty well. Boston has had a couple of sweeps, and the pitching in particular has been good. The biggest surprise is how bad the Yankees have been, and it's not like the hitting has been terrible. The pitching has been bad. Javier Vasquez, Jon Lieber, and Jose Contreras have really struggled, and Mariano Rivera has even blown 3 saves and has an ERA over 7. The White Sox are still in contention with the Royals and the Twins in the AL Central, and the Rangers look to be bad.

But, how are the players that we are looking at faring? Again, we are focusing on Rodriguez, Jon Lester, Magglio Ordonez, Brandon McCarthy, Alfonso Soriano, Manny Ramirez, Aaron Boone, and Nomar.

Alex Rodriguez:
He didn't get off to the best start, but he has been finding his hitting stroke as of late. A .277/.373/.447 slash line has been good to see, and his defense has been great. Power wise, he has 5 dingers and 17 RBI. I've had him mostly in the 3 hole protecting Papi, and having Magglio bat cleanup. It seems to be working well, and I'd imagine that the Boston media is going to be a lot more forgiving.

Magglio Ordonez:
Magglio has actually been better. In our timeline, Ordonez has struggled with injuries around this timeframe. Here, he has been healthy, and has slashed .417/.462/.625, and has 2 dingers and 13 RBI. To help keep him healthy, I've moved Papi to first and have had Ordonez DH. He's been consistently impressive so far, and if he can stay healthy then this lineup will be loaded.

Brandon McCarthy:
Brandon McCarthy has been in the bullpen, and has been used as a middle reliever to bridge the gap to Mike Timlin and Keith Foulke. He's been brilliant in 7 games so far. He has won 2 games, saved another, and his ERA is 0.79 in 15.1 innings of work. Plus, he won Rookie of the Month in the AL for April. I plan to use him in an Andrew Miller circa 2016 Indians role, even though it is a bit ahead of it's time.

Manny Ramirez:
Manny is being Manny, though we all knew that. 4 years earlier than in real life, he is the man outside of Boston. Though this Rangers team is not as good as the Dodgers team of 2008 in our timeline. Manny is slashing .343/.433/.602 with 5 homers and 13 RBI. Texas isn't playing great, though Manny might be stuck there due to salary concerns.

Alfonso Soriano:
Soriano has been playing very well, which is good timing since he is in his walk year. He is slashing .300/.338/.547 with 5 dingers and 18 RBI. He's looked good defensively, and is one of the bright spots on an otherwise scuffling Yankees team.

Aaron Boone:
The man who will forever be knowns as Aaron Bleeping Boone to New Englanders has not been playing well. To be fair, he was struggling in 2003 and we all know how that ended. He is slashing .238/.227/.238 with 0 dingers and 3 RBI, normally hitting 9th in Joe Torre's lineup. He might be trade bait, as The Boss might ask Cashman to swing some deals.

Nomar Garciaparra:
In this version of the world, Nomar doesn't have his foot injury, and isn't sulking as he was with Boston before he was traded to the Cubs. Nomar is hitting third in the lineup most games, and is slashing .379/.410/.653 with 6 dingers and 19 RBI. I think most White Sox fans are happy with that.

Jon Lester:
Lester is currently rated as the 55th best prospect in the majors according to the game, and the Rangers sent him to AA Frisco of the Texas League. It's important to note that the Texas League is very hitter friendly. He is currently 1-2 with a .360 ERA in 5 starts, having pitched 30 innings. Lester has the most potential to go like he did in real life or not be as good. It all depends on how he develops.

So, it's been interesting so far. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to share them.