TAMPA, Fla. — On the first day of his fourth season with the New York Yankees, Alex Rodriguez finally acknowledged his relationship with Derek Jeter has cooled.

After insisting for three years that they remained close, Rodriguez said it was “important” to him to publicly confirm what others have said since he joined the team.

“People start assuming that things are a lot worse than what they are, which they’re not. But they’re obviously not as great as they used to be. We were like blood brothers,” Rodriguez said Monday. “You don’t have to go to dinner with a guy four, five times a week to do what you’re doing. It’s actually much better than all you guys expect, but I just want to let the truth be known.”

Where are those transmissions you intercepted!

“If this is a consular ship… Where is the Ambassador?!” 

BRAVO – A-Rod.  At least one of you is willing to stand up and say what has to be said.  So what, you’re not blood brothers anymore.  But at least you are willing to address the issue and attmept to put it behind you.  Now go hit .295, 45HR, 125RBI and win us another pennant.