What’s in the

BRIAN CASHMAN says he expects Alex Rodriguez to be the Yankees’ third baseman in 2013. A-Rod says he’s not waiving his no-trade clause, as he has a lot to prove and will be on a mission.

That’s all well and good, but let’s not forget that Cashman once tried to convince the world that Bubba Crosby would be the Yankees’ center fielder and that signing Mark Teixeira was little more than a pipe dream.

And A-Rod? Back in January 2004, he accepted the position of Rangers team captain, saying he felt a “grand responsibility” before adding, “I definitely think I’m going to be here for a long time.”

Less than three weeks later, he was being fitted for pinstripes.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at a few potential scenarios that could develop between now and the start of spring training.

MIAMI

The A-Rod-to-Miami rumor made for some good headlines during the ALCS, though the Marlins quickly shot down the idea of acquiring the South Florida product. Still, after the Marlins’ disappointing 2012 campaign, they’re going to be looking for ways to fill that shiny new ballpark in 2013 and beyond.

What better way than with a couple of milestones? A-Rod is 99 hits away from 3,000, and while “A-Rod 3K” can’t possibly come close to matching the hysteria of Derek Jeter’s pursuit of the milestone a year ago in New York, his hometown might embrace his march to 3,000.