Ex-Mets GM: Free-agency talks with A-Rod fell apart before money came up

Former New York Mets general manager Steve Phillips didn't believe it was a good idea to sign Alex Rodriguez in 2000 after meeting with his agent, Scott Boras, at that year's GM meetings, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.

Phillips acknowledged last week that he thought adding Rodriguez would mess up the dynamic of the team's clubhouse. During free agency, the superstar shortstop reportedly asked the Mets for office space at Shea Stadium and a tent at spring training to sell his merchandise.

"We were out before the money conversation ever happened," Phillips said.

Rodriguez, who was named AL MVP three times during his playing career, went on to sign a 10-year, $252-million pact with the Texas Rangers.

"At the time when we were pursuing (Rodriguez), you could kind of dream about that lineup, and the offensive lineup would have been incredible," said former Mets assistant general manager Jim Duquette. "He fit perfectly at least for the few years as a shortstop, because at that time it was before (Jose) Reyes had come on the scene, so we didn't have a shortstop where we could say he's going to be our shortstop for the next 10 years."

The 14-time All-Star was traded to the Mets' crosstown rivals, the New York Yankees, in 2004. He helped the team win a World Series in 2009.

"It's amazing, as I think about it, the dominos that occur," Duquette said of Rodriguez's move to the Bronx Bombers. "To be honest with you, there was no way we were going to spend $200 million, but if there had been a more reasonable conversation in the mid-100s, that would have been hard to say no to."