Business Insight Zone

It’s not a done deal yet, but it looks like Berkshire boss Warren Buffett (and a couple of Goldman heavyweights) may land Alex Rodriguez back in the Bronx with the richest sports contract ever.

Alex Rodriguez Gets
A Surprise Assist
From Fan in Omaha

. . . Amid deafening criticism by sports writers and on talk radio, a worried Mr. Rodriguez called Mr. Buffett, say people familiar with the matter. The two had become friends a few years ago, after the slugger flew to Omaha to meet with the investing guru and rabid baseball fan. After that, the two met socially several more times, say the people familiar with the matter. Signifying their mutual admiration, an autographed Rodriguez jersey hangs at Berkshire Hathaway’s Omaha headquarters.

Mr. Buffett’s advice was simple, says a person familiar with the matter: approach the Yankees solo, without Mr. Boras. “A-Rod really loves being a Yankee,” says Mr. Buffett. He declined to comment on the substance of any conversation with Mr. Rodriguez, saying he doesn’t discuss private talks.

The day after his opt-out was publicized, Mr. Rodriguez contacted Goldman wealth manager John Mallory, whom he had met through family in Miami. Although Mr. Mallory had moved to Los Angeles, Calif. about a year ago, where he now manages Goldman’s southwest wealth-management division, the third baseman had stayed in touch, say these people, and the Goldman executive continued handling the Steinbrenner family’s wealth-management account, giving him a close link to the team’s owners.

During the call, Mr. Rodriguez appeared to be “beside himself” that he was on the outs with the Yankees and eager to extend an olive branch, say people with knowledge of the matter. Mr. Mallory promised to see what he could do, this person adds.

Mr. Mallory called Gerry Cardinale, the Goldman partner who handles media and telecommunications investments for the firm’s private-equity unit. “You’re not going to believe this,” said Mr. Mallory, according to people with knowledge of the matter. He explained that Mr. Rodriguez had called, and that the player wanted to “reestablish a dialogue” with the Steinbrenners.

I say this only halfway tongue-in-cheek: Possibly the White House should consider asking Mr. Buffett’s opinion on pressing matters of diplomacy? Or, closer to home, maybe he could chair a national panel on health care? I’m willing to believe he’s capable of achieving anything.