Realistically, there are only four teams who could come close to offering A-Rod the money he wants.
A.) The Boston Red Sox, who just won a World Series without him.
B.) The Anaheim Angels, who've already stated that they won't pay that kind of money for any player.
C.) The Chicago Cubs, who might end up being the best overall fit.
D.) The Yankees, who A-Rod has already essentially said "no" to, by opting out of his contract. With Torre and many coaches defecting to the Dodgers, will the Yanks have to weigh in and make a play for A-Rod, if nothing else, to help sell tickets to pay for the new stadium opening in 2009?
2007-10-30 00:32:00 · 11 answers · asked by bamidélé 4 in Sports ➔ Baseball
I do think that in the end they may make a play for him; I do not think that he wanted out because of Torre leaving, he is not that close with Torre. I think he saw that this was goign to be a great opportunity for him to expand his pay at the perfect age to get his LAST big payday. He made a business decision much like anyone else would have. The Yankees have stated that they will not pay huge money to any free agents anymore but I think they will make one play for him, to keep the fans thinking that they are still trying to get the big name guys. I think they want to move on in a different direction that goes away from the Superstar idea and back to what won them 4 titles not long ago, which is a team concept, pitch great and manufacture runs, do not rely solely on the three run homer to win 10-9.
2007-10-30 01:40:26 · answer #1 · answered by bdough15 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I have been a lifelong Yankee fan for over 50 years, and was not impressed with A-Rod when it counted. At the beginning of this year, Newsday had a wonderful story about A-Rod with which I totally agree, and it panned out, that he was playing for his contract--playing an incredible game that could lead to another MVP season, but, having seen great seasons by the likes of Dave Winfield, I kept saying all along that I wanted to see what A-Rod could do in the post-season.
He won't have that hefty contract next year, he will have signed for years to come. Will he revert to the A-Rod he was in 2005? Who would you rather have on your postseason roster-A-Rod who swung at some pitches like they were lined up for a drive on the 17th hole, they were so down and away from the plate, or Mike Lowell, who is a super fielder and batted .400 in one World Series and played equally well with Florida in his first World Series?
I'd rather spend money on a guy like Torii Hunter, do what I could do to lock Mariano up, although losing Joe Torre, the only manager he ever played for, will hurt those chances, and seal the deal with Posada, because the young pitchers could use his veteran expertise for a few years.
A-Rod's bat may be missed in April-September, but there is no way of knowing if his bat will still be going well once he is happy with his new deal. The Angels have the money, and the need, and A-Rod can impress. Boston would only pursue A-Rod if they cannot keep Lowell. First base is crowded, and if Lowell stays, you can't put him at 3B. As good a fielder as the young A-Rod has been, do you really want to mess with the double play combo the Sox have now.
The Angels will win the pennant with a guy like A-Rod playing where he can shine as the only power hitter.
Can Lou handle A-Rod's sulking? Not like Torre can. Sciosia and Terry Francona could.
I honestly think A-Rod will be an Angel with a dirty face, and come postseason, he will do as wonderfully as he has for the Yanks---which means probably nothing in October.
2007-10-30 05:36:35 · answer #2 · answered by sirburd 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is really a great question because no one ever knows what the Yankees might do, maybe not even Yankees management at this time. Just look how many times Billy Martin came back after leaving the team. I really believe the Yankees will take another look at the situation and it would not surprise me to see the Yankees back in the mix for A-Rod.
2007-10-30 01:16:30 · answer #3 · answered by Frizzer 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think none of the four - or any others - should get into the mix. Stop letting Payrod set the market with such ridiculous demands and ownership kowtowing to those demands. The guy is good but $30 mil a year and chokes in the postseason? sorry, I would pass. He will bleed some team dry - and leave them no room to pay any other free agents or young talent. What if he gets hurt? What if his skills diminish with age - the Cubs are in the NL so no DH. I would feel very good if they all said no.
2007-10-30 02:36:25 · answer #4 · answered by alomew_rocks 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You missed the Mets in this. No mind you, there is no where for Arod to play on the Mets, but if he could go to 3rd because "jeter held his breath and refused to move" then, he could go to 2nd with the mets.
Hopefully, no teams compete in this sweepstakes and Arod will be forced to go into the $1 bin at Wal-Mart.
A) you are correct, why would you need him. The glove slap incident should tell you what kind of player he is.
B) I will take your word for it
C) The Cubs are for sale and they won't make a move like that without a permanent ownership.
D) They know they would look so foolish using the media to say no, then backing up. Also, do they really need him to sell tickets? Is there a single Season ticket holder that will say "You know what, I won't renew my seats if Arod's not going to be there" Even if one existed, theres 10,000 other guys willing to scoop up his season ticket.
Also, will game day tickets not sell because of Arod? They bood him anyway, unless you buy a ticket to boo someone, if he's there or not, it won't make a dent on ticket sales.
I hope no one takes him for anything more than $20 mil and he either has to suck it up or head over to Japan for a year.
2007-10-30 02:14:16 · answer #5 · answered by brettj666 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would not be the least bit suprised if the Yankees still go after A-Rod. They are saying that they wont, but in the long run, they cant keep there grubby paws away from any player of his magnitude.
2007-10-30 01:23:55 · answer #6 · answered by Harvick 29 Fan 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I just dont see it happening. I think they could foresee this happening when they traded for Wilson Betemit, who could possibly be their third baseman next year(this was one smart move by Cashman as Betemit has the talent, but he was being sold low) . Right now, I could see them trading Damon for a third baseman. Possibly Joe Crede?
2007-10-30 03:34:39 · answer #7 · answered by mperry1408 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe so......if they were smart they would do everything possible to retain him. To me, he is still one of the best players in the world.
They need power at that corner badly because......how much does Giambi have left at the other corner?
Edit:
I really thought more people would bite on this one Deke.....sorry
2007-10-30 00:39:23 · answer #8 · answered by primoa1970 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I don't think they will. They just released a statement yesterday specifically stating that they will not negotiate with him.
2007-10-30 00:52:49 · answer #9 · answered by bencas9900 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yanks already said they are not going after him.
end of story.
2007-10-30 00:51:33 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋