TAMPA – Alex Rodriguez could care less about an exhibition game against the Red Sox in March.

A-Rod will play third base today against the Indians at Legends Field and be eating dinner by the time the Yankees and Red Sox tip off in Ft. Myers tonight. Verbally assaulted at the start of camp by many Red Sox, A-Rod refused to bite on the subject of not going.

“I don’t care either way,” he said when asked about staying home or making the two-hour trip.

Asked about the changes the Red Sox made, A-Rod responded, “I only worry about our team. I think we are a better team.”

A-Rod was more forthcoming about the start of his second season in Pinstripes.

“I am lot more comfortable,” A-Rod said. “This year I have put a lot more emphasis on offense, probably 50-50. Last year it was probably about 95 percent fielding because I didn’t want to embarrass myself at third base.”

By most standards, A-Rod’s first year as a Yankee would have been looked on favorably since he batted .286 with 36 homers and 106 RBIs while learning a new position. However, much more was expected of A-Rod, who arrived in The Bronx as one of the best players in baseball.

“I had a solid year with 36 and 106 and played solid defense,” said A-Rod, who batted 19 points below his career .305 average due to a .270 first half. “But I always expect more. Even after 57 and 142 [in 2002], I felt I could have done more. But I am pleased with my year last year.”

He is 4-9 at the plate so far this spring.