Alex Rodriguez has opted out of the final 3 years ($91M) of his contract with the Yankees. He will be become a free-agent and will be free to negotiate with any MLB team. Industry experts expect his next contract to exceed $300M.
As both an Alex Rodriguez and Yankees fan, I'm sorry to see him go. When his career concludes, A-Rod will be remembered as the best power hitter to have ever played. However, I will admire the Yankees organization even further if they stick to their word and choose not to pursue him as a free agent.
A-Rod's next contact will be in excess of $30M/year. At that price, the Yankees would be able to sign Johan Santana and a third baseman with 70-80% the capability of A-Rod. Surely, that is the wiser business move. In baseball, a single player cannot win the World Series for you.
The Yankees' off-season will be intriguing. It has already begun with the firing of Joe Torre. There is a potential of a brand new look if the Yankees choose not to resign Posada, Rivera, and Abreu. Moreover, Pettitte may decide to retire. As a life-long Yankees fan, I think it's time for a makeover.
Then Yankees of this decade are becoming the Braves of the 90s - a team good enough to make the playoffs, but one that quickly fizzles out once they get there. Here's to an exciting winter for the Yankees.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
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