Alex Rodriguez: Miami Marlins have talked about signing slugger

MIAMI, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- Although he was born in New York, Alex Rodriguez's Miami roots are rock-solid.

So when the 41-year-old is released following Friday's New York Yankees game, it wouldn't be a shock for the Marlins to come calling.

According to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, the team has already had "internal" discussions about bringing A-Rod to South Florida.

Heyman reported that there isn't any evidence "at this point" that the Marlins will attempt to sign A-Rod. "If they do consider it, it would almost surely have to come after rosters expand Sept. 1," Heyman wrote. "But it is probably a long shot, in any case."

Rodriguez played high school baseball in Miami-Dade County before he committed to the University of Miami before the Seattle Mariners eventually drafted him.

Rodriguez is four career home runs shy of the 700-club. He hit 33 home runs last season but only nine this season, while he is hitting .203.

Rodriguez was not in the Yankees' lineup Wednesday, but went 0-for-1 in a pinch hit opportunity.

The Yankees held a press conference Sunday where Rodriguez announced he is leaving the team and the game behind. Rodriguez is due $20 million this season and is signed for another $20 million in 2017. Rodriguez said he will be an advisor and instructor for the Yankees next season.

"With part-time Miami resident Alex Rodriguez not ruling out playing again after he leaves the Yankees in a few days, keep in mind that not only is Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria fond of him, but hitting coach Barry Bonds tutored his friend A-Rod in California two off-seasons ago and A-Rod said: "He's a great teacher. I learned so much about simplifying my swing from him," the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson wrote.

Rodriguez is a three-time MVP and 14-time All-Star in 22 big-league seasons for the Mariners, Texas Rangers, and Yankees.

The Marlins are 60-54, trailing only the Washington Nationals in the National League East. The Yankees are in fourth place in the American League East with a 57-56 record. The Yankees face the Boston Red Sox Thursday at 7:10 p.m. at Fenway Park and host the Tampa Bay Rays at 7:05 p.m. Friday.