As fans of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim continue to worry about the team's lack of a big bat to support Vladimir Guerrero, speculation is running rampant in Southern California that the team might make a push for Yankees star Alex Rodriguez.

There is plenty of circumstantial evidence that make a trade for A-Rod seem compelling, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The team never acquired a big slugger in the offseason, and Rodriguez can opt out of his contract with the Yankees at the end of this season.

A-Rod also told a New York radio station that he wanted to feel "wanted here."

"Any team needs that bat," Angels shortstop Orlando Cabrera told the Times. "Even the Yankees need that bat."

If Rodriguez does opt out, the Yankees won't chase him, Sports Illustrated reported Wednesday.

"He has a significant contract as it is," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said, SI reported on its website. "So I don't anticipate any dialogue regarding an extension."

Rodriguez has three years and $81 million remaining on his current contract. Cashman said he wouldn't rule out an extension at a later date, just not yet, SI reported.

"I hope he stays," Cashman said, SI reported. "He knows how I feel about him."

MORE FROM BASEBALL

Baseball Section Front

Pujols a unanimous pick for MVP CTB: Pujols is MVP of the decade, too CTB: Mauer had truly historic season CTB: Twins hope to re-sign Mauer by Christmas   Feds seek rehearing of baseball drug list ruling CTB: Angels back in the Halladay chase CTB: Yankees planning on Joba, Hughes starting CTB: Cashman says Yanks will talk to his players first   CTB: If M’s done with Lopez, suitors should be plentiful CTB: White Sox GM shouldn’t call out Jenks in public Baseball Section Front   Add Baseball headlines to your news reader: