The Conversation

"If we're seen going in there or coming out, I'm sure there's going to be 'A-Rod, Red Sox' on the front page of ESPN.com, but I wouldn't fall into that trap. We always talk to Scott. We're not scheduling a meeting with Scott to talk about Alex." -- Theo Epstein, GM, Boston Red Sox

Theo Epstein is sitting at his desk. His official commemorative "Pedro Phone-tinez" rings. He removes Pedro's head and puts the phone receiver to his ear. It's super-agent Scott Boras.

Boras: 10 years, $350 million. You have 45 seconds to decide.

Theo: Hello Scott.

Boras: Thirty-nine seconds Theodore. Ball is in your court.

Theo: We’re really not intereste…

Boras: Xander Rodriguez hit 11 seventh inning home runs last year. Your entire infield only managed nine. Thirty-two seconds…

Theo: The organization is really happy with our current roster. I mean we won the World Series…

Boras: Lexie Rodriguez has never struck out in a World Series game. Notta one.

Theo: He’s never been on a team that's made it to the Worl…

Boras: Twenty-nine seconds, T-Eps. How about this, 12 years, $380 million and he gets a 15-percent stake in the team.

Theo: No.

Boras: Before you say no, hear this: Al Rodriguez’s face painted on the Green Monster. Eh? You do that, I’ll kick it up to a 16 year deal, still at 380 million, but with a $34 million signing bonus. Eh? This is for the man who hits a career .453 with runners on third when there are one or less outs in the first inning. Eh? There’s 28 seconds left on the clock.

Theo: I’m hanging up now.

Boras: If you do that, I won’t even let you put in a bid in on Bernie Williams.

Theo: We have a fantastic outfield. Besides, he retired last year.

Boras: Not for the roster, for the entertainment value. He plays a mean classical guitar. For $350,000 per game, he’ll not only play the National Anthem but also “Take Me Out To The Ball Game.” He can also do Aerosmith covers. Four-and-half seconds…

Theo: Goodbye, Scott.

Boras: Steiny baby, Come on! You don’t happen to have representation do yo…

CLICK.