The Daily News has the story...and it would be a doozy if it's true. The story starts out saying that the Yankees are indeed willing to bring A-Rod back...IF he signs a below-market contract (to make up for the loss of the Rangers $21 million subsidy). On top of that, the Yankees want no part of Scott Boras as part of the negotiation...which would be a major coup for the team. They apparently don't even want him in the room! THE super-agent getting tossed out of the biggest deal of his life? Because he made a mess of the player's image? Man, THAT would be some story...and it certainly could have a big impact on who works with Boras in the future.

A second Yankees source said that the team believes A-Rod is trying to restore his image, which has taken a beating since Boras announced the opt-out during Game 4 of the World Series.

By taking a contract below market value, Rodriguez would be showing fans that it wasn't all about getting the most money, and that he truly wants to finish his career in pinstripes. ...

"Most of this is about Alex trying to salvage his image," said another source close to the negotiations. "He's upset over the way this whole thing has played out and the way he's being portrayed now, because of Boras."

Huh...this is all just talk right now...and of course, this could certainly be a smokescreen to make A-Rod's other suitors think that the Yankees (and their considerable wallet) are now players in the negotations. Still, who knows at this point? Maybe he does care about his legacy...if nothing else, it is making the off-season more interesting, right?