February 16, 2004 [LINK]
Nearly two months after the Red Sox failed to close a deal that would have brought Alex Rodriguez to Boston, the Yankees have pulled off the trade of the century, getting A-Rod for Alfonso Soriano, who was one of the Yankees' youngest rising stars. (Too bad he's leaving.) Apparently, Rodriguez will be playing at third base, which must make incumbent shortstop Derek Jeter feel appreciated. (His performance suffered due to a wrist injury early last year.) Today Commissioner Selig approved the A-Rod deal, which most experts believe dooms any hope for Boston to mount a serious pennant race or post-season challenge to the Yankees this year. Don't forget, sports fans, raw payroll size is NOT sufficient to win world championships. (It does smooth the path to the postseason, however.)