A-Rod Rumor Gets Universal Denial

In 24 hours, the A-Rod-to-Marlins rumor went from titillating what-if to mostly bunk:

Keith Olbermann reported on MLB.com Wednesday that the teams had discussed a deal that would send Rodriguez to the Marlins in exchange for former closer Heath Bell. As part of the proposed deal, the Yankees would pay "virtually all" of the $114 million due to Rodriguez over the next five seasons and absorb Bell's remaining salary.

But Olbermann cited anonymous sources from both teams, and when his report came to light, officials from both teams vehemently denied any discussions took place.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told ESPN Wednesday night, "I have had no discussions whatsoever with the Marlins." Saying he has been fully absorbed in the Yankees' playoff series this month, he called the rumor "One hundred percent false."

Thursday morning, Samson got his opportunity to deny the rumor. He told MLB.com, "There have been no conversations between the Yankees and the Marlins."

Asking another team to pay a guy $114 million to play in another league may be too much to ask even of the New York Yankees. We stand by our initial reaction:

Re: A-Rod rumor. Meh...
— Marlins Diehards (@MarlinsDiehards) October 17, 2012