Rodriguez has four seasons left in the record $252 million, 10-year agreement he signed with Texas before the 2001 season, but he can opt out of the deal after this season.

He is owed $27 million in each of the final three seasons - with the Yankees responsible for $50.7 million and the Rangers owing $30.3 million, including $9 million in deferred money.

''It can come up every day of the year,'' Rodriguez said Thursday before departing for a road spring training game against Cincinnati. ''I'm going to give you the same answer. Nothing has changed. I'm not going to talk about my contract.''

Rodriguez said earlier this year that he wants to spend the rest of his playing career with the Yankees. But in a radio interview, he also indicated how the fans treat him could be a factor in his decision.

Rodriguez said he won't discuss his contract status until after the season and that the matter will not be a distraction.

Selig hedges on retirement

Baseball commissioner Bud Selig hedged slightly on his retirement plans, saying he intends to leave in 2009 but that he's learned ''never to say never.''

The 72-year-old Selig has been in charge of baseball since 1992, when he became acting commissioner. Voted to the job full-time in 1998, Selig said last year he intended to leave after his current term ends in 2009 in order to write and teach.

While acknowledging that some owners want him to accept another extension, Selig said he remains intent on leaving.

''I really think that's what's going to happen,'' he said.

Papelbon to close

Jonathan Papelbon's conversion from closer to starter didn't last long.

Papelbon is heading back to Boston's bullpen to fill a major void, though he isn't doing it because an injury to Mike Timlin left the Red Sox without a closer.

''I haven't been sleeping well because there's been that feeling deep down in my heart that I wanted to close,'' Papelbon said after the Phillies and Red Sox played to a 4-4 tie in 10 innings on Thursday.