NEW YORK -- To try to limit the "paparazzi" element of the performance-enhancing drug allegations involving Alex Rodriguez, the New York Yankees are planning to keep A-Rod's whereabouts a secret during his rehabilitation.
"I'm not going to say to try and keep away the extra -- whatever you want to call it -- paparazzi, whatever it is, the stakeout wherever he is working out," Yankees GM Brian Cashman said at the Hard Rock Café in Times Square, where he attended an event to support Yankees radio producer/engineer Carlos Silva, who is battling cancer.
"That's the only reason I'm not going to say where he is going to be on a given day."
Rodriguez, 37, underwent left-hip surgery Jan. 16. The Yankees have estimated he could return after the All-Star break.
Cashman hasn't spoken to Rodriguez about the specific allegations that surfaced in the Miami New Times a week ago, nor has anyone in the Yankees' organization. The New Times reported that A-Rod had contact with Anthony Bosch, a Miami-based man who has been associated with PEDs. On Friday, ESPN's T.J. Quinn and Mike Fish reported that Rodriguez received injections from Bosch at his home.
Rodriguez, through his public relations firm, has denied any involvement with Bosch.
The Yankees are waiting for Major League Baseball to complete its investigation. If MLB disciplines Rodriguez, ESPNNewYork.com has reported that the Yankees will try to escape from the remaining five years and $114 million on his contract. It is very difficult to void a guaranteed deal.
Yankees manager Joe Girardi said he has spoken to Rodriguez about his rehab in the past week, but not about the allegations. Girardi declined to describe A-Rod's mindset.
The Yankees' medical officials have been in contact with Rodriguez to discuss his rehabilitation from his hip surgery.
"We have a protocol set up for Alex that was already in line through Dr. (Brian) Kelly's office," Cashman said, referencing the surgeon who performed the operation. "I'm not going to state where he will be when camp opens. It hasn't been altered with the recent publicity that he is dealing with."
Cashman said the fact that the Yankees haven't spoken to Rodriguez is not a sign of nonsupport.
"The only thing required right now is patience and smarts," Cashman said. "By smarts, I mean, do not get ahead of things you don't know about. Do not speak to areas you have no knowledge of. Do not throw out sound bites that are convenient because everybody is hungry and thirsty for answers before you can legitimately provide any. So that's obviously what we are doing."
Mariano Rivera, who was also on hand for the event in Times Square, said he has not talked with Rodriguez.
"I have nothing to say about that," Rivera said of A-Rod's situation. "He will tell you when he has time."