A-Rod to Opt Out of Contract, become Free Agent

[SirFozzie]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...act/index.html

Please, BoSox, do NOT pursue him (especially since he's gonna want more then the $27-$30 million a year the Yanks offered.)

DENVER -- Alex Rodriguez notified the Yankees on 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 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.

Rodriguez's agent Scott Boras said he sent word of the opt-out in writing Sunday and left phone and text messages for Yankees general manager Brian Cashman. The Yankees have said that once A-Rod opts out, they wil not pursue him, since they will lose the benefit of the Texas Rangers' $30-million subsidy.

"Alex made the decision today,'' Boras said. "I thought we should notify the club.''

The Yankees were preparing an extension to his current contract for either five or six years, believed to be for close to $30 million annually. However, team officials said Boras has politely declined to meet with them in recent days, and they never presented the offer.

Rodriguez technically had until 10 days after the World Series ended to exercise his opt-out rights, which were provided in his $252 million Texas deal. However, Boras said Rodriguez felt there was no way he could make a decision to stay in that short a period of time since several situations remain unsettled, including those of Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada and Andy Pettitte.

[DeToxRox]

Tough blow to delusional Yanks fans who thought he wouldn't dare.

[bulletsponge]

i hope among hope he doesnt ger offered a big contract and gets maybe 20 mil a year

[RPI-Fan]

Good for him...

Hope he goes to the Red Sox where the fans will actually appreciate him.

Hope he does NOT go to the Angels or Giants or some other boring team.

[MrBug708]

Angels are a boring team?

[DeToxRox]

I'd kill for him on the Tigs, even at 30 mil a year. He'll put a dent in that with merchandise and ticket sales alone, but yes, I know why people might not want him.

That said, the only legit players I see in this are Boston, Frisco, and Angels.

[SackAttack]

How far have we come that $20m per isn't "a big contract," sponge?

[st.cronin]

20 mil? I'll be surprised if he doesn't get 30 mil.

[Buccaneer]

I thought the only possibilities were the Angels, Braves or Cubs?

Yes, the Angels are one of the boring teams simply because they are the furthest away from the Northeast of any teams.

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by Buccaneer

I thought the only possibilities were the Angels, Braves or Cubs?

Yes, the Angels are one of the boring teams simply because they are the furthest away from the Northeast of any teams.

Braves are dropping payroll this year.

[CraigSca]

I'm shocked, considering the Yanks were about to offer that big extension.

[Maple Leafs]

Originally Posted by MrBug708

Angels are a boring team?

They're not the Yankees or the Red Sox, now are they?

[JeffNights]

Pheraps he'd just had enough of the Yankees organization...

I wouldnt be surprised if Illitch signed him, if Dombrowski says the team needs him, he'll pony up.

[SirFozzie]

Originally Posted by CraigSca

I'm shocked, considering the Yanks were about to offer that big extension.

They didn't even listen to it. They didn't even reply to the Yanks calls.

[MrBug708]

Dodgers could easily afford it. The merchandising from it alone would probably pay for itself

[Drake]

It would be hilarious if he decided to play for a small market up-and-coming team for the minimum salary.

[Young Drachma]

I'd gladly take him in Toronto.

But that makes too much sense for Riccardi. He'll sign some other washed up former A's player or perhaps an injury prone, unproven starter as his next stroke of genius.

Grr...

[Atocep]

Originally Posted by CraigSca

I'm shocked, considering the Yanks were about to offer that big extension.

Their big extension was going to be less than half of what Boras has in mind.

[SirFozzie]

Originally Posted by Atocep

Their big extension was going to be less than half of what Boras has in mind.

Consider it would have been on an add-on basis to the current contract.. so it would have been 8 years, 230-240 million or so.

[Logan]

Just as an FYI...Cashman has said repeatedly that the Yankees will not go after A-Rod should he opt out. What he says doesn't mean shit though. If one of the Steinbrenners wants to go back after him, they will.

[Logan]

Originally Posted by SirFozzie

Consider it would have been on an add-on basis to the current contract.. so it would have been 8 years, 230-240 million or so.

There was no motivation for A-Rod to take that deal (outside of wanting to remain a Yankee, which he still could). He would have earned a couple extra million while the Yankees would have still had all that Texas money in their pocket.

[bhlloy]

I don't see why he'd want to go back to the Yankees. Unreasonable fans, an unstable manager situation again after the years of relative calm with Torre, new ownership situation and a lot of talent undecided whether to come back (and probably leaning against coming back)

I would sign for Boston and give a big FU to all the moron Yankee fans who booed me while I was having one of the best 3 year stretches in history.

I do agree with Logan. I think the Yankees take a shot at him anyway, they would be crazy not to. If they don't it's stupid pride.

[Warhammer]

If he wants to win a title he goes to Anaheim. You have a team that has consistently been good, has a solid pitching staff, and you already have some protection in the lineup, plus some pretty good up and coming players. A-Rod going to the Angels will transform that team offensively.

[MizzouRah]

Cardinals will get him and send Rolen to NY.

[Tasan]

As a Rangers fan, I say horray! This frees up a ton of money we were paying the Yanks!

[ISiddiqui]

Well, this was unsurprising . Now let the bidding begin!

[Swaggs]

Did the Rangers still owe the Yankees $30-million more, or do they owe them the remainder of that amount (prorated over the amount of years he has already played for the Yankees)?

I still think the Yankees will resign him, due to that money owed by the Rangers.

[Radii]

CUBS CUBS CUBS

[ISiddiqui]

According to ESPN.com

Texas turns out to be the biggest winner, saving the remaining money it would have had to pay New York as part of the 2004 trade. Boras said the Rangers remain responsible for $3 million in annual deferred money A-Rod is owed in the next three years under the contract.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3084640

[MrBug708]

Originally Posted by Swaggs

Did the Rangers still owe the Yankees $30-million more, or do they owe them the remainder of that amount (prorated over the amount of years he has already played for the Yankees)?

I still think the Yankees will resign him, due to that money owed by the Rangers.

Once the contract was over, the Rangers were off the hook. If A-Rod opts out, the Rangers are off the hook. If A-Rod resigns with the Yankees (as opposed to signing an extension) the Rangers are still off the hook. Apparently these reports are that he has opted out meaning the Rangers are freed of their burden

[Logan]

Yep, the original 10 year, $250 million deal will be ripped up, so Texas' obligation is over.

[hoosierdude]

Sure looks like it is a Girardi hiring, if ARod cancels the contract.

Just saying.......

[Swaggs]

I understand all that, but I am still not sure whether or not there was $30-million remaining that the Rangers owed or if the original terms of the trade called for $30-million to go to the Yankees over X number of years, with the Yankees having already received a portion of that.

If there is still $30-million remaining, it seems hard to believe that A-Rod will get another team to get their terms to be so far ahead of the Yankees in their bidding, that the Yankees, with the strength of the $30-million extra, would not make a much better offer.

I'm guessing one of three things goes on here:
1.) Boras made this move today to press the urgency on the Yankees to sweeten the pot quickly (like within 10 days, since that is all the longer they realistically have), since the Yankees seem to be running around with their heads up their asses with Steinbrenner seemingly incapacitated.
2.) A-Rod hates playing for the Yankees so much that he will leave money on the table, just to get out of New York. Not so far fetched, since the Yankees clearly have some problems going on and Rodriguez may have enough pride and money to not want to be a part of (or even the face of) the decline of the Yankees. Still, hard to believe he has Boras as his agent and money is not his first, second, and third concern in this contract.
3.) Boras has a sweetheart deal secretly worked out with another club that promises Rodriguez partial ownership of a team.

[Atocep]

Girardi will be interesting if he's indeed the next Yankee manager. He's not exactly a player's manager and will be a big change from Joe Torre.

[Atocep]

Boras reads the market better than anyone. He wouldn't have had A-Rod opt out if he wasn't 100% certain he could get A-Rod something in the neighborhood of 10 years $300 mil.

Anyone hoping for A-Rod to "settle" for less than he's making now is going to be disappointed. Boras is a guy that got San Francisco to bid against themselves on Barry Zito.

Love him or hate him, he's far and away the best agent in sports.

[clintl]

Originally Posted by Swaggs

If there is still $30-million remaining, it seems hard to believe that A-Rod will get another team to get their terms to be so far ahead of the Yankees in their bidding, that the Yankees, with the strength of the $30-million extra, would not make a much better offer.

If A-Rod opts out of the contract, the Rangers do not owe the Yankees $30 million. The way these deals are structured, the money goes to pay part of A-Rod's contract. No contract, no money owed.

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by Drake

It would be hilarious if he decided to play for a small market up-and-coming team for the minimum salary.

Yeah, with Boras as an agent, I'm pretty sure that's not happening no matter how much fun it would be

SI

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by Atocep

Boras reads the market better than anyone. He wouldn't have had A-Rod opt out if he wasn't 100% certain he could get A-Rod something in the neighborhood of 10 years $300 mil.

Anyone hoping for A-Rod to "settle" for less than he's making now is going to be disappointed. Boras is a guy that got San Francisco to bid against themselves on Barry Zito.

Love him or hate him, he's far and away the best agent in sports.

I think 10/300 is a bit higher than it will go. I think 8/240 (maybe 8/256 just so it beats the previous contract and if you're going to pay 30M per, what's an extra 2) is about where things end up. We should start a pool on this

SI

[Swaggs]

Originally Posted by clintl

If A-Rod opts out of the contract, the Rangers do not owe the Yankees $30 million. The way these deals are structured, the money goes to pay part of A-Rod's contract. No contract, no money owed.

I think that is clear, but A-Rod and the Yankees can "extend" his current deal (in the next 10 days) and still have the benefit of that money. If the contract officially ends, which it will 10 days from the end of the World Series if he does in fact opt out of it, then the Yankees and A-Rod will no longer have that money as a bargaining chip.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

I would love to see A-Rod fire Boras as his agent.

[Crapshoot]

Originally Posted by M GO BLUE!!!

I would love to see A-Rod fire Boras as his agent.

Why? Because Boras is good at his job? Dude, he works for A-Rod, and A-Rod wants to make money. He has every right to do so (even though he was willing to give $40 million to come to the Red Sox). What is it about people wishing to maximize the profit of their labors so much that bothers you?

[SackAttack]

Originally Posted by Atocep

Boras reads the market better than anyone.

Matt Harrington says "Hi."

[JS19]

Like Logan said, don't count the Yanks out of this yet, just because Cashman said they won't go after him. I've been telling all my Yankee fan friends all yr, this guy is gonna put up some monster numbers (as usual), then say go screw yourselves, im outta here.

My guess is he ends up with the Cubs.

Also, I agree with crapshoot here, if the money is there, why not make it?

[M GO BLUE!!!]

Originally Posted by Crapshoot

Why? Because Boras is good at his job? Dude, he works for A-Rod, and A-Rod wants to make money. He has every right to do so (even though he was willing to give $40 million to come to the Red Sox). What is it about people wishing to maximize the profit of their labors so much that bothers you?

Boras represents Boras. Is he looking out for the players he represents? Only so far as the larger the contract they sign, the larger the check he receives is. If A-Rod hires another agent to get him a deal, then Boras doesn't see a dime. Does he care if A-Rod, or any other ballplayer makes more money? See my above comment. Boras would still be happy if A-Rod, or any other player makes less than they would have made before taking his advice. He'll still get paid for the new contract, where the old wasn't putting a big chunk of change in his pocket.

Just to clarify, I'm not a Rodriguez fan, nor am I a Yankee fan. Quite the opposite on both counts.

[Atocep]

Originally Posted by M GO BLUE!!!

Boras represents Boras. Is he looking out for the players he represents? Only so far as the larger the contract they sign, the larger the check he receives is. If A-Rod hires another agent to get him a deal, then Boras doesn't see a dime. Does he care if A-Rod, or any other ballplayer makes more money? See my above comment. Boras would still be happy if A-Rod, or any other player makes less than they would have made before taking his advice. He'll still get paid for the new contract, where the old wasn't putting a big chunk of change in his pocket.

Just to clarify, I'm not a Rodriguez fan, nor am I a Yankee fan. Quite the opposite on both counts.

I don't see what is wrong with this. If a player signs with Boras he isn't looking for a hometown discount somewhere, he's looking to make as much money as he possibly can.

[Jas_lov]

Originally Posted by Logan

Just as an FYI...Cashman has said repeatedly that the Yankees will not go after A-Rod should he opt out. What he says doesn't mean shit though. If one of the Steinbrenners wants to go back after him, they will.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/ba...e_to_arod.html

This is what Hank Steinbrenner had to say about the A-rod opt out.

"I don't want anybody on my team that doesn't want to be a Yankee."

"We're not going to back down," Steinbrenner said. "It's goodbye."

Word on the street is that Cashman has a little bit more say than you may think and more than he had in the past with George running things. I think Cashman is who made the decision on the new manager hire, which is looking like it will be Girardi.

[ISiddiqui]

Originally Posted by M GO BLUE!!!

Boras represents Boras. Is he looking out for the players he represents? Only so far as the larger the contract they sign, the larger the check he receives is.

So? A-Rod's and Boras' interests are aligned. A-Rod wants to make more money. Boras wants to make money. Boras getting A-Rod the biggest contract will make A-Rod and Boras more money. What's the problem?

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

So? A-Rod's and Boras' interests are aligned. A-Rod wants to make more money. Boras wants to make money. Boras getting A-Rod the biggest contract will make A-Rod and Boras more money. What's the problem?

Because getting the most money is not always the best situation. When you're going to have made over a half a billion dollars by the end of a contract, whether it's negotiated by Scott Boras or by a monkey, there is a definite divergent interest. Wouldn't finding the best situation for a working environment be much more important than making $200M vs $250M- there's just diminishing returns on that last bit of contract and it could make all the difference in the world in terms of working conditions. I'm sure the Yankees will be one of the top bidders but, if you were ARod, would going back to New York be worth those extra millions? For Boras, of course, because he could care less since, for him, it's going to mean a bigger paycheck.

SI

[bulletsponge]

that last contract was an albatros around A-rods neck, apparantly he wants a bigger one around it this time

[ISiddiqui]

Boras doesn't pick the final contract offer to accept. It's just his job to get the best offers from the teams out there. Then it's A-Rod's decision to pick among them for the one he likes the best.