Alex Rodriguez big part of plan for Rangers to have Stars-like success

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) _ Tom Hicks, who has won a Stanley Cup as owner of the Dallas Stars, has a plan to find success with his other team _ the Texas Rangers. <br><br>A crucial part of that plan is the

Tuesday, November 28th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) _ Tom Hicks, who has won a Stanley Cup as owner of the Dallas Stars, has a plan to find success with his other team _ the Texas Rangers.

A crucial part of that plan is the pursuit of free agent Alex Rodriguez, the 25-year-old All-Star shortstop who is looking for a long-term home.

``Obviously, Alex is one of the best players, and I think when his career is over, he will be truly one of the best players ever to have played the game,'' Hicks said. ``We know that. That's why we are interested in having him.''

While Rodriguez insists there are no front-runners, and that he's only in the early stages of what could be a lengthy process, he seemed impressed Monday after two days of meetings with Hicks and other Texas officials.

``I'm looking for an ownership. That's my first criteria,'' Rodriguez said. ``I want to have an owner to have the type of commitment and willingness to win year in and year out. That's what Mr. Hicks brings into the equation. He's a committed winner, he's done it in another sport. I believe he can do it in another sport.''

Meanwhile, Rangers GM Doug Melvin had dinner _ and a second meeting _ on Monday night with free-agent third baseman Ken Caminiti. Texas was also expected to talk Tuesday with free-agent pitcher Mike Hampton.

Rodriguez said he isn't concerned with a timetable, even if the process isn't completed until January or February. He has also talked to Atlanta, but his agent, Scott Boras, said there were also six other teams in the mix.

Boras didn't identify the other possibilities, but they appear to be the Dodgers, Rockies, White Sox, Orioles and even the Mets and Mariners. He said it was unlikely, however, that a deal would be completed before or during baseball's winter meetings that begin next week in Dallas.

During his visit in Texas, Rodriguez got a presentation of the Rangers' minor league teams and philosophy of scouting players, and was given a tour of the new arena being built for the Stars.

``We showed him what we've tried to build to help the Stars be one of the real dominant team in the NHL. It is the same approach we are going to have with the Texas Rangers over the next 5-10 years,'' Hicks said.

Rodriguez also spent a couple of hours Monday in the Texas clubhouse with Kenny Rogers and Rafael Palmeiro, players who returned to the Rangers after time with other teams. Rogers came back last offseason in a deal completed by Boras.

In Miami, one of Rodriguez's neighbors is Rangers catcher Ivan Rodriguez.

``I call him Barry Switzer because he's a great recruiter. We'll see what happens,'' Alex Rodriguez said. ``I recruited him to go live in Miami, now he's recruiting to come play here. Obviously, he just likes the idea of two players of our caliber playing together.''

Hicks believes another Rodriguez on the Texas roster would be helpful.

The Rangers won three AL West titles in four years _ only to lose in the playoffs to the Yankees. They fell into last place this season.

Contrary to reports of extravagant demands _ aside from the expected $20 million a season for 10 years _ Rodriguez said his primary interest is in the future of the team he will sign with and possibly spend the rest of his career.

Hicks insisted that was the case, though there have been no serious negotiations between the parties.

``Alex did not have any demands,'' Hicks said. ``Alex wants to be treated like any other ballplayer, and Alex wants to win the World Series. Anything you might have ready in the newspaper to the contrary is totally fictitious.''