Speaking publicly for the first time since his suspension was reduced last Friday to 162 games, Rodriguez changed his tune about the situation, telling reporters it could be beneficial in helping rest his body.

"I think in the year 2014, the league could have done me a favor because I've played 20 years without a timeout," Rodriguez said, according to The Associated Press.

Rodriguez made his comments in Spanish at the opening of the Alex Rodriguez Energy Fitness Center in Mexico City. His remarks were translated by ESPN.

In the aftermath of the decision made by the independent arbitrator hired by baseball that reduced Rodriguez's originial 211-game suspension to 162 games, Rodriguez and his lawyers immediately filed suit against Major League Baseball and its players' union, which followed an earlier suit filed against MLB and commissioner Bud Selig after the original suspension ruling last summer. These initial public comments from Rodriguez could be a sign that the Yankees third baseman may be ready to give up his legal battles and accept his suspension.

"I think 2014 will be a year to rest," Rodriguez added. "Mentally, physically prepare myself for the future and begin the next chapter in my life ... I have three years left on my contract starting in 2015 and I hope to play very well and finish my career in New York."

For their part, the Yankees may also now be willing to move forward with their highly-paid star in 2015 after previous speculation that the organization could cut ties with Rodriguez and eat the three years and $61 million he'll have left on his contract after 2014.

"He's a great player," Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner said earlier Wednesday, according to Newsday. "I have not thought about 2015 nor am I going to right now. When he's on and when he's healthy, he's obviously as asset."


RAYS INK PRICE TO DEAL


Three-time AL All-Star David Price and the Tampa Bay Rays have agreed to a $14 million, one-year contract, the highest single-season salary in franchise history.

The 2012 Cy Young Award winner has been the subject of trade speculation after going 10-8 with a 3.33 ERA last year while earning $10,112,500. He is eligible for free agency after the 2015 season.

His 2013 season was interrupted by his first stint on the disabled list, caused by a strained triceps.

Price is the Rays career leader in ERA and winning percentage, and he is second in victories.

Tampa Bay, which made the playoffs for the fourth time in six seasons, announced the deal Thursday.


BREWERS TURN TO REYNOLDS


Unable to land the Mets' Ike Davis in a trade, the Brewers are turning to Mark Reynolds to potentially fill their hole at first base.

Milwaukee is close to signing Reynolds to a minor league contract with an invitation to big-league camp, Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports.

Reynolds, 30, will add power (and strikeouts) to the middle of the Brewers' order if he makes the team, but his production has declined the past few years. He hit 21 homers (a career low for a full season) and fanned 154 times in 504 plate appearances with the Indians and Yankees last season.

The Brewers' offseason pursuit of Davis was well known, but they held firm in not trading a young pitcher for him.


CUBS REALLY WANT TANAKA


The Chicago Cubs added a new mascot; now they're working hard to add a new pitcher.

The North Siders reportedly are among the most aggressive suitors of Japanese star Masahiro Tanaka, according to Fox's Ken Rosenthal.

Tanaka, 25, was 24-0 with a 1.27 ERA last year for the Japan Series champion Rakuten Golden Eagles, who made him available under the new posting system. He reportedly met with as many as 12 major league clubs during a trip to the United States last week.

A Japanese newspaper reported recently he had narrowed the list of teams with which he's willing to sign to the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Angels.

Under the new posting system, the fee payable to the Japanese club is capped at $20 million and the player can negotiate with all big league teams willing to pay the posting amount.

Contributors: Ben Estes, Tom Gatto, Cassandra Negley, The Associated Press