A-Rod says players, owners should `split the economics evenly'

Alex Rodriguez, who signed two of the richest deals in Major League Baseball history and made roughly $450 million in salary as a player, suggested players accept a salary cap in future labor negotiations.

Of course, the 14-time All-Star has reason for the about- f ace. Rodriguez, along with partner and entertainment icon Jennifer Lopez, are headlining an ownership bid for the New York Mets, according to multiple reports. He also cited the growth of t he NFL and NBA over the last two decades and how those leagues have revenue splits between ownership and players along with a cap.

“The only way it's going to happen is if they get to the table and say the No .1 goal, let' s get from $10 to $15 billion and then we'll split the economics evenly ,” Rodriguez told reporters on Thursday during a conference call. “But that' s the type of conversation instead of fighting and fighting against each other because there's too much competition out there right now.

After the call, Rodriguez posted a statement on Twitter late Thursday night to note that he did not explicitly say the words “salary cap,” although the model he proposed is essentially one.

BREWERS: Manager Craig Counsell announced that Brandon Woodruff will get the start when Milwaukee begins the season July 24 against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

REDS: Former Army outfielder and captain Jacob Hurtubise agreed to a minor league contract with Cincinnati for the $20,000 maximum signing bonus allowed to players bypassed in last month's amateur draft.