ARLINGTON, Texas -- The last time Alex Rodriguez was at The Ballpark in Arlington, the Texas Rangers seemed to be an afterthought for the free agent shortstop.

During his visit three weeks ago, Rodriguez admitted he had never really considered playing for Texas. He was there only because his agent, Scott Boras, got a call from the Rangers, who were willing to spend a lot of money.

"I didn't know Texas was an option for me until Scott called two months ago and said Texas was interested," Rodriguez said. "But I still didn't think much of it."

Rodriguez returned to The Ballpark on Tuesday, a day after agreeing to a record 10-year, $252 million contract with the Rangers.

The most prized free agent in baseball history -- a 25-year-old All-Star with a .309 average over seven seasons -- said Texas eventually became an easy choice, and not only because of the money.

Atlanta refused to give Rodriguez the no-trade clause he wanted. And he felt spurned by the Seattle Mariners, who he said offered him only a three-year guaranteed contract with a team option for two more years.

"I have a hard time walking away from Seattle. But when they came with a three-year guarantee and a two-year out, I was in disbelief," Rodriguez said. "I just walked away from it, and knew I wouldn't have a real choice.

"I'm glad I didn't have to make a close call, but a bit disappointed the way they handled the situation. Texas just made it real easy for me."

The A-Rod contract is worth $2 million more than owner Tom Hicks paid for the Texas team just three years ago. And it doubled the previous record for a sports contract, the $126 million, six-year agreement in October 1997 between forward Kevin Garnett and the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves.

"Hopefully when it's over, they won't be calling Mr. Hicks a fool but the wisest man in baseball," Rodriguez said. "Only time will tell. I'm looking forward to the challenge. For me, it revolves around baseball."

Hicks, whose NHL Stars won the Stanley Cup in 1999, does nothing to hide his desire to win a championship with his baseball team. He believes Rodriguez is the player who will help him accomplish that goal.

"It is my pleasure to introduce to you the newest Texas Ranger, the man who is going to build the foundation to help us achieve our goal of winning the World Series," Hicks said Tuesday.

Pitcher Kenny Rogers and first baseman Rafael Palmeiro, who were at the news conference, were excited about having Rodriguez as a teammate and expect no problems because of the high-priced contract.

"It is tremendous, we got the top prize in the free-agent market. Everybody on this team is excited," Rogers said. "I'm making a lot more money than I ever thought I would make. That is not a problem. It doesn't matter what anybody makes, as long as he goes out and performs."

Like others, however, Rogers was somewhat surprised the deal got completed. He was one of several Texas players who had lunch with Rodriguez during the exploratory visit last month.

"I felt when he came this was probably just a stop in the road," Rogers said.

Rodriguez was obviously the most notable of four free agents the Rangers signed during the winter meetings. They also signed first baseman Andres Galarraga ($6.25 million), third baseman Ken Caminiti ($3.25 million) and right-hander Mark Petkovsek ($4.9 million).

The Rangers won their third AL West titles in four years in 1999, but slipped from a record 95 wins that season to a 71-91 record a year ago.