http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...act/index.html
Quote:
By Jon Heyman, SI.com
DENVER -- Superstar third baseman Alex Rodriguez notified the Yankees Sunday that he's opting out of his record $252 million contract, SI.com has learned.
Rodriguez's decision means he will become a free agent and be able to negotiate with all 30 clubs. Rodriguez's bombshell move will shake up the entire winter for the Yankees -- who had hoped to retain him with a big extension -- as well as other big-market clubs that will now pursue him.
|
Ken Rosenthal reported it on the ballgame as well.
Huge news.
My question is, since the Yankees have been claiming all along that they won't offer him a new contract if he opts-out, will they live up to that now that he has?
Are they really willing to go with Wilson Betemit or signing a 34-year-old (by Opening Day) Mike Lowell long-term, like has already been suggested if the Sox try for A-Rod?
Between this, the manager situation, and guys like Posada and Rivera possibly leaving (or signing long-term for their declining years), the Yankees may finally be showing their cracks.
Then, there is a question of the number of teams that not only can realistically give him what he wants, but also won't be scared away by Scott Boras and his negotiating tactics. And, also who have a hole at third base or shortstop.
Basically, it's the Angels and Dodgers, Cubs, Red Sox (possibly), and then perhaps teams like Detroit, Seattle, and Baltimore.
This makes the offseason that much more interesting, and even better, upstages the Red Sox winning the World Series more then anything short of a death, disaster or Yankees hiring a manager (rumor says they have picked Girardi).