The Deal

Weeks after the Boston Red Sox were knocked out by the New York Yankees in the 2003 ALCS, the organization set out to secure the swing they believed would push them over the top—the bat of reigning AL MVP Alex Rodriguez of the Texas Rangers. Offers were presented. Plans were laid. Everything appeared to be in place. Rodriguez stood poised to arrive at Fenway Park. Then he didn’t. This is the account of the 36 hours when the game’s best player swung from Red Sox savior to Yankees weapon.