Joe Girardi had a telephone conversation with Alex Rodriguez on Friday that lasted more than an hour and was initiated by the manager, according to a source.

"It was a great conversation,"' said the source, who spoke with one of the participants. "Joe could not have been more supportive, and Alex could not have been more receptive."

Girardi made no apologies but reinforced Rodriguez's value to New York's lineup and laid out some expectations for his offseason training program.

"I think the team is fully aware that Alex holds all the cards here," the source added.

The Yankees owe Rodriguez at least $114 million over the next five years and he owns a full no-trade clause that will likely hamper a deal.