Yanks Won't Give A-Rod An Extension

UNDATED (AP) _ The New York Yankees don't intend to offer third baseman Alex Rodriguez an extension on his ten-year, $252 million contract. <br/><br/>The decision leaves him the option of opting out

Thursday, March 22nd 2007, 9:49 am

By: News On 6

UNDATED (AP) _ The New York Yankees don't intend to offer third baseman Alex Rodriguez an extension on his ten-year, $252 million contract.

The decision leaves him the option of opting out of his deal and becoming a free agent at the end of the season. He has four seasons left on the record contract he signed with Texas before the 2001 season. Rodriguez is owed $27 million in each of the final three seasons.

Rodriguez also can stay for 2008 and have the right to opt out of the last two seasons if the Yankees don't boost his salary to $32 million annually for the final two years.

The Philadelphia Phillies have decided to put starting pitcher Jon Lieber in the bullpen following the off-season additions of Adam Eaton and Freddy Garcia. Lieber was the Phils' opening-day starter the last two seasons but went just 9-11 with a 4.93 ERA last year.

Lieber's stay in the pen could be short. Garcia had to leave Wednesday night's game against Toronto after one inning because of stiffness in his right biceps. A team spokesman says Garcia was to be examined by the Phillies medical staff Thursday.

Garcia has allowed 11 runs and 15 hits in 8 2/3 this spring.

And Chipper Jones hopes to be back in Atlanta's lineup Thursday after a pain-free round of batting practice Wednesday. The Braves wanted to be cautious with their 3rd baseman after he felt soreness in his right side during BP on Friday.