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Showalter says A-Rod comments off record

Orioles manager's quotes in USA Today involved his catcher Wieters

BALTIMORE -- The big news at Camden Yards on Thursday surrounded Orioles manager Buck Showalter, who found out earlier in the afternoon that recent comments he made -- thinking they were off the record -- about the ongoing Biogenesis investigation were published in USA Today.

Showalter said earlier this week if Commissioner Bud Selig suspends Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, it's not fair that the Yankees would benefit financially from the salary relief.

"If Bud lets them get away with that, they're under the luxury tax," Showalter was quoted by the newspaper. "If they can reset, they can spend again, and I guarantee you in two years [Orioles catcher] Matt Wieters is in New York."

Showalter spoke with Wieters on Thursday and explained that the comment boils down to the fact that the Orioles organization would like to keep Wieters in Baltimore for the long haul.

"It wasn't meant for public consumption," Showalter said of his printed comments. "You guys know, we sit around and talk all the time about baseball issues because we all kind of love our game. We look at things and talk about it. Unfortunately, somebody decided to put it out there publicly. I said it and someone decided to print it. So, it's unfortunate. What are you going to do?"

Wieters didn't seem bothered by the comment and said, "Buck's got his way of thinking about things and being able to get across his point of view. I'm happy to be here right now and I am not thinking any at all about where I'm going to be playing in two years."

Rodriguez is the most high-profile player under investigation, and New York signed the three-time Most Valuable Player to a 10-year, $275 million deal -- including another $30 million in bonuses -- after the 2007 season. There are reports that MLB will have more news regarding suspensions on Friday.

"I have a lot of confidence in our leadership and baseball. There are finally some things in place where they can do the things they are going to do," Showalter said. "I can tell you that locker room, our locker room and I think most locker rooms -- I can't speak for other ones but I think it's the case -- the common denominator is they welcome this."

Brittany Ghiroli is a reporter for MLB.com. Read her blog, Britt's Bird Watch, and follow her on Twitter @britt_ghiroli. Derek Wetmore is an associate reporter for MLB.com..
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