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An ordinary trade involving two extraordinary players involves an ever-growing cast of characters. Here is what's in it for them:
ALEX RODRIGUEZ
Rangers shortstop and AL MVP wants to go to Boston for a chance to win. Agreed to take less money to do it. But, for now, ``stuck'' in Texas on a last-place club, with $25 million a year to console him.
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TEXAS RANGERS
Can't build a winner in their market with one-fourth of their payroll tied up in one player. But few teams can afford to take the game's highest-paid player off their hands.
MANNY RAMIREZ
One of the best hitters in baseball, but wore out his welcome in Boston by failing to run out ground balls, calling in sick and generally living in his own world. Has five years and $97.5 million left on the deal then-general manager Dan Duquette gave him in the go-go winter of 2000, a contract that makes him the second-highest paid player in the game and virtually untradeable. Unless he's traded for the first-highest paid player in the game.
BOSTON RED SOX
Despite getting within five outs of the World Series, futile franchise has undergone massive overhaul, with new manager, front-line pitcher and closer. Next on the wish list: unloading their enigmatic outfielder and his contract. Team could also have a problem with Nomar Garciaparra, now that it has tried so hard to bring in a different shortstop.
NOMAR GARCIAPARRA
In the last year of his contract, he has already turned down a four-year, $60 million extension. Red Sox thought market was declining, but six-year, $72 million deal Baltimore gave Miguel Tejada meant price for ``No-mah'' went up. Could wind up with a new deal closer to his Southern California home.
SCOTT BORAS
Rodriguez's agent sold him to the highest bidder in December 2000, the same day Ramirez agreed to his deal. Got what's still the richest contract in baseball history, but his client isn't happy.
TOM HICKS
Rangers owner thought A-Rod would be the centerpiece of the team's on- and off-field success and made the deal himself. Undoing it will come at a heavy cost, too.
THEO EPSTEIN
Young GM of the Red Sox, not afraid to ruffle feathers or outwork the others in getting the deal done. Wouldn't take ``No'' for an answer to get Kevin Millar out of Japan; this one is worth his effort, too.
GENE ORZA
No. 2 official in the union is holding the line on renegotiations that don't work out in the player's favor. ``The principal involved is a transcendent one, affecting all of Alex's fellow players.''
BUD SELIG
Baseball commissioner could see this as an opportunity to take on the union. ``Considering his legal options.''