Bryan Hoch reports that, on Friday, A-Rod went through more tests and worked out, gathering more information for an eventual decision on his next step. Though, it sounds like the possibility of surgery is becoming more and more real.

"Alex is our future," Cashman said. "What's best for him is best for us. Ultimately, this is Alex's career. This is his life. I know one thing: he wants to do anything he can to help this team now."

"If he was retiring after the year, this is a no-brainer," Girardi said. "That's not the case. I think you do have to take that into account, and it's a big part of the decision."

Says Peter Abraham:

Things have changed since yesterday. The Yankees said then that the plan was for Alex to try and play and have surgery after the season. Now both Hal Steinbrenner and Girardi have talked about Alex needing to make a decision about having surgery.

Alex underwent more tests today and supposedly planned to throw and even hit in a cage out in Colorado. Then he will take a day or two to decide what to do, in consultation with the Yankees.

The sense I get from talking to people both in Tampa and elsewhere is that Alex will be having the surgery and it would be as soon as Monday. The Yankees are fearful of his trying to play and then having to come out of the lineup.

So, we're in wait and see mode right now. But, if it's bothering him as much as it sounds like it is, I say let's get it done.