Alex Rodriguez rumors: Rays interested in Yankees' slugger?

The Tampa Bay Rays would have at least some interest in using New York Yankees third baseman as their designated hitter at the right price, reports Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times:

You'd think there would be at least some interest as a DH, and some appeal to A-Rod, who has a complete no-trade clause.

Topkin believes a trade to the Rays would appeal to Rodriguez, as he would be joining a contending team. However, he notes that the Yankees would likely be hesitant to deal A-Rod within their division.

Topkin says this deal would ultimately come down to the money exchanging hands. The only way he sees it happening is if Rodriguez can be had for much closer to free than the $114 million he’s owed over the next five years.

Rodriguez hit .272/.353/.430 this year while making most of his appearances at third base. While he is still viewed as a capable defender, he certainly wouldn’t replace Evan Longoria at the hot corner.

The Rays have brought in veteran players and former superstars on the cheap to act as their designated hitter over the past few seasons. Some examples of this include Manny Ramirez, Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui.