New York Yankees president Randy Levine confirmed Tuesday that he is indeed on the witness list in ongoing arbitration hearings as third baseman Alex Rodriguez appeals his 211-game Biogenesis-related suspension, reports the Long Island Newsday.
Yankees president Randy Levine on witness list for Alex Rodriguez arbitration
Levine has yet to testify, but is on call if he is needed during the hearings.
Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
“I’ve been on the witness list for a long time, really from the beginning,” Levine told reporters. “I’ve been told to stand by. I’m ready to testify if they need me. I don’t know what I could offer, but I’d be glad to testify if called.”
Part of the reason Levine has not been called to testify already is because there is likely little he could aid with as the team is not a part of the investigation. Rodriguez has said he believes the team would stand to profit from his suspension. His salary would be wiped off the books for however many games he ends up missing, giving New York payroll flexibility.
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Levine, however, says the Yankees are approaching the offseason as though they are expecting Rodriguez to be in the lineup. Numerous team officials have said they believe they are better off with Rodriguez at third base on Opening Day.
Rodriguez is the only player who received a suspension relating to the Biogenesis investigation to appeal his punishment. He also had the heaviest suspension levied upon him. Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun was suspended for 65 games while the other players all received 50-game suspensions.
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