A-Rod: Will he opt out?

[Bo Hart]

Alex Rodriguez has a message for his hometown fans: It's up to you, New York.

During an interview on WFAN yesterday, A-Rod opened the door for his departure from the Bronx at the end of the season, saying that the upcoming year was a crucial one when it came to his future in pinstripes.

"It's a do or die situation," Rodriguez said. "Either New York is going to kick me out of New York this year, say 'I've had enough of this guy, get him the hell out of here,' and we have an option. Or New York is going to say, 'Hey, we won a world championship, you had a big year, you were a part of it and we want you back.'"

A-Rod stressed his desire to finish his career as a Yankee, but his words did nothing to erase the possibility that he will exercise his option to become a free agent at the end of the year.

"One hundred percent, that's exactly what I want to do," he said when asked if he could envision himself playing the remainder of his career here. "But I also want to make sure that with the fans and management, I'm wanted here."

The general consensus among his teammates is that Rodriguez will opt out of his contract, leaving the pressures of New York behind for another destination such as Anaheim or Chicago. Rodriguez tried to minimize that talk early in the spring, but yesterday's comments reopened the subject.

Calling himself "clueless, lost, confused at times," A-Rod said last season was the first in which he simply didn't enjoy playing the game.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseb ... _else.html



Let's say he opts out. Where do you think he goes?

I'd rule out the Mets, because he'd be staying in New York.

The Cubs are a logical choice, with Pinella being there.

The article mentions Anaheim as another possible destination.


How about St. Louis? It would be a match made in heaven. Battered and bruised from the ruthless fans of New York, Rodriguez heads to player haven St. Louis. Eckstein's contract will possibly be expiring (barring an extension), so we'll have an opening at shortstop. As evidenced by our willingness to pursue Schmidt, we're willing to go after a big name free agent. The owners have repeatedly stated that they would be willing to open their wallets for "the right guy." (Maybe that is just fodder.)

I'm not saying this situation is likely, I'm just saying it appears to be a nice fit... on the surface, at least (and I really haven't considered the practicality of it). I hope I'm not sounding like someone from Cards Talk.

[indyredbird]

It would make a heck of defensive infield with Pujols, Rolen and Molina. Possible gold glove in 4 out of 5 positions. Sounds good to me. Make it happen Walt!!

[Secret Weapon]

I know he may not be happy in NY, but I don't think he would opt out to take less money somewhere else. He is scheduled to make 27 million a year from 08-10, and I just cant see the Cardinals spending that much on one player.

I think the only way the Cardinals could hope to get him is if he didn't opt out, and the Cardinals were somehow able to trade for him at his reduced Yankee price tag.

[heyzeus]

No way we take him on at $27 mil a year or so. But I do say he'll be opting out. This recent statement to the press isn't going to win him any fans in NYC.

[JohtoVillage]

I know he may not be happy in NY, but I don't think he would opt out to take less money somewhere else. He is scheduled to make 27 million a year from 08-10, and I just cant see the Cardinals spending that much on one player.

If he opts out, no team is going to pay him 27 million dollars per year. The most he gets is 20. The idea is, he signs for five or six years and gets more guaranteed money instead of going on the market again in three years. But there's no way anyone pays him 27 million if he opts out.

[Secret Weapon]

I know he may not be happy in NY, but I don't think he would opt out to take less money somewhere else. He is scheduled to make 27 million a year from 08-10, and I just cant see the Cardinals spending that much on one player.

If he opts out, no team is going to pay him 27 million dollars per year. The most he gets is 20. The idea is, he signs for five or six years and gets more guaranteed money instead of going on the market again in three years. But there's no way anyone pays him 27 million if he opts out.

i dont see him opting out of a 3 year 81 million dollar contract for a 5 year 100 million dollar contract. maybe if its a 6 year 120 million dollar contract, but i dont see the Cards giving that out either.

[JohtoVillage]

If he opts out, I just don't think he is going to opt out for the money. He has as much money as he needs. He will opt out to play somewhere else because he hates playing in New York. Man I bet Texas is really wanting an opt-out. I know they are paying about 9 million a year, and if he opts out, I would imagine they wouldn't have to pay anymore? I am sure there is something I am probably missing though.

[TheoSqua]

I don't see us paying anyone more than what Albert makes.

But I could see us offering like six years and 110mil

[Secret Weapon]

I just don't see Boras letting Arod opt out to play somewere else for significantly less money because he got boo'd a bit. There is just too much money left on the table for Arod to walk away from, the only way he leaves the Yankees is if he is traded, imo.

[TGantz]

1) The Yankees have to not make it to the World Series for A-Rod to be hated enough to want to leave.
2) If he does opt out, the Cardinals would not pay him more than Pujols.
3) The Cubs would pay him anything he wanted, and Lou is there.

He will be a Yankee or a Cub after this year.

I will be very afraid of the Cubs if he does join them... Especially if they get some decent LH bats.