A-Rod to Opt Out

[ComfortablyLomb]

Re: A-Rod to Opt Out

I'm not so sure they should be. It's still early, but I think both moves (Torre and A-Rod) are smart for the future. Initially we'll obviously suffer from A-Rod's loss and we may not make the playoffs in '08, but the Yankees' FO is looking at the big picture for the first time in a long time which is not something the AL should be loving.

Heck, even the Red Sox went through a mini-version of that as they didn't even make the playoffs last year. People were killing Theo for Crisp, Lugo, Drew, Clement, and even Beckett looked like a questionable move after his '06 season. He let Pedro and Damon go which were also questioned.

It's way too early to judge how these moves will work out long term, but I don't think opposing fans should be celebrating unless their only goal is to see the Yankees not make the playoffs in '08. The Yankees haven't had the best team in baseball since '03, IMO, but are headed back in that direction.

The thing with the Yankees is that I think it's inevitable that they will put a playoff caliber team on the field eventually. Their salary dictates that they can reload that much easier than other teams. Ditto for the Red Sox (and maybe the Mets and another team or two). The payroll isn't really about advantage in any one season IMO but rather that they don't have to have the peaks and valleys of other teams, they can do more of a flat-line because they can replace talent easier. If they miss the playoffs for a year or two because of some questionable moves then I think somebody has to be happy because they're squeaking in. So yes, the major goal is to not see the Yankees waltz into the playoffs next year or the year after. They will inevitably be back among the best of the league, the question is just how soon.

[GBrushTWood]

Re: A-Rod to Opt Out

I think the rest of the AL is loving the Hank era in Yankeeland so far. It's like he has an amplified version of all of Larry Luccino's personality problems.

I agree. I haven't heard too much from this guy (other more important baseball matters going on), but from what I have heard, he sounds like an insecure numbnut. He might have broke the world record for number of mentions of "my dad" in a quote. He also reads as if he thinks his $hit doesn't stink or something by talking about it being a "privilege to be a Yankee". They're the best team in baseball history but jeebus, he could have just said A-Rod was not interested in playing for New York. No need for hyperbole there.

Anyways, this guy seems like he is trying really hard to be a mini-George Steinbrenner. Quite sad really..

[ryanm1058123]

Re: A-Rod to Opt Out

Yankees don't need a 3B. They got one on their roster and his name is Wilson Betemit.

[GBrushTWood]

Re: A-Rod to Opt Out

Yankees don't need a 3B. They got one on their roster and his name is Wilson Betemit.

[BunnyHardaway]

Re: A-Rod to Opt Out

Yankees don't need a 3B. They got one on their roster and his name is Wilson Betemit.

Championship!

[rsox]

Re: A-Rod to Opt Out

Yankees don't need a 3B. They got one on their roster and his name is Wilson Betemit.

Grady Little is that you?.

[Gary Armida]

Re: A-Rod to Opt Out

Favre, I think the Yankees will miss his production... in the regular season. Without A-Rod you guys don't even make the playoffs this year.

No doubt about that for this year. Without AROD, there is no playoff series this year. But, I think they can get along without him...different manager, different style of baseball, and there is something to be said for clubhouse annoyances not being there. We'll see.

[dieselboy]

Re: A-Rod to Opt Out

So who is everyone's bets? I have heard a LOT of teams. Giants, Angels, Dodgers, Mets, Cubs, Red Sox, White Sox, Tigers, Mariners, Marlins, Rangers...

I don't see the Red Sox realistically going after him...he is tarnished for being a Yankee. I don't see the Rangers bringing him back. And I definitely don't see the Mariners going after him. And the Marlins? Eh, I don't see that as very realistic. And the Tigers just made a move Renteria. I guess they could bring A-Rod in and move Inge to a utility role, but I doubt it.

So that leaves the Cubs, Mets, White Sox, Giants, Angels, and Dodgers, IMO.

[GBrushTWood]

Re: A-Rod to Opt Out

Angels. They need to make a splash. They got rid of "Stand Pat" Stoneman. A-Rod fits in perfectly with them. They desperately need a power bat, they have a lot of money to spend. Nobody cares too much out there like they do in Boston and New York, but at the same time, they are a competitive team.

The question is, will they pony up the $30M to get A-Rod.

[The C]

Re: A-Rod to Opt Out

Alex, you can come to Cleveland.

Sure, you alone will make as much as 1/2 the team, but it could work. Hell, you can even take shortstop from another mediocre defensive shortstop.

[ComfortablyLomb]

Re: A-Rod to Opt Out

I don't see the Red Sox realistically going after him...he is tarnished for being a Yankee.

Yea, but he wasn't a true Yankee, lol.

Seriously though, going after him is probably a bad idea for a number of reasons and I don't think salary is near the top of the list. In a vacuum I wouldn't mind him on the team but the baggage he brings is probably too much and if the Sox have to move anyone likable to get it done or make him fit then it could be disastrous.

[ckarlic]

Re: A-Rod to Opt Out

My opinion is that no one should sign him!!! Maybe that would teach Arod and Boras a lesson...Probably wouldnt hurt him so much since he already has more money than most of us will ever make in our lifetime!!!

[ckarlic]

Re: A-Rod to Opt Out

Just out of curiosity, I would like to see if there are any Yankees fan that are upset with Arod opting out..I for one am not..I could care less what he did in the regular season...Its the postseason that counts and the reason why we got Arod in the first place. Im not upset at all..in a way im kind of relieved

Would love to hear from Yankees fans on this..If possible someone should put up a poll.

[NYJets]

Re: A-Rod to Opt Out

Just out of curiosity, I would like to see if there are any Yankees fan that are upset with Arod opting out..I for one am not..I could care less what he did in the regular season...Its the postseason that counts and the reason why we got Arod in the first place. Im not upset at all..in a way im kind of relieved

Would love to hear from Yankees fans on this..If possible someone should put up a poll.

I am.

We are in big trouble for the short term.

Unless there is some huge unforseen trade, I really don't give us any chance of winning the AL East next year.

Maybe when someone is paying A-Rod $25 million + when he is in his late 30's-early 40's it will look like a good thing, but right now it's not.

[ckarlic]

Re: A-Rod to Opt Out

I am.

We are in big trouble for the short term.

Unless there is some huge unforseen trade, I really don't give us any chance of winning the AL East next year.

Maybe when someone is paying A-Rod $25 million + when he is in his late 30's-early 40's it will look like a good thing, but right now it's not.

Yeah i see what you are saying..but the Yankees team from the late 90's didnt really have anyone on there that would put up Arod type of numbers...The team was a true team in my mind when they had the likes of Oneil, Brosius, Hayes, Lyritz, Jeter, Williams, Posada, and Tino Martinez. With Arod its Him and the Yanks...