"I feel honored and welcome to be playing for the Yankees and at Yankee Stadium." said Alex Rodríguez at today's press conference.

Written by the staff of Latinosportslegends.com

February 17, 2004 -- Alex "A-Rod" Rodríguez received a warm welcome at a jam-packed news conference at Yankee Stadium to welcome him to his new team. 

Dressed in dapper black suit, A-Rod removed his jacket and slipped into a pinstriped Yankees jersey with the number 13 on the back.

"Wow! What a reception. I feel overwhelmed and very, very happy to be here," Rodríguez said alongside captain Derek Jeter, manager Joe Torre and Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson.

"I still feel like someone's going to pinch me and wake me up."

When asked about the number 13 he'll be wearing on his back, he responded. "I don't  pay much mind to numbers, but that was my number when I was a quarterback in high school. Also, it has number three in it."

Last year's American League MVP, Rodríguez will now play at Yankee Stadium, just a few miles from Washington Heights, the neighborhood where he was born.

"This is a dream come true playing in New York where I was born," Rodríguez responded in Spanish when asked by a Spanish reporter. "I feel overjoyed to play for a great manager like Joe Torre and next to my good friend Derek Jeter."

When asked about how he'll be received in Boston, he said "like were always welcomed. They will be able to see us about 15 times this year. I'm just focused on the Yankees and this moment right now."

With the addition of Rodríguez, the Yankees have four players -- Jeter, Jason Giambi and Kevin Brown with contracts worth $100 million or more. The lineup is so strong that Hideki Matsui, who drove in 106 runs last season, is projected to bat eighth.

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