Let the A-Rod Sweepstakes Begin

by Ian Casselberry on Oct 28, 2007 11:55 PM EDT in Detroit Tigers News

Alex Rodriguez and Scott Boras couldn't even wait until the World Series was over. (And as I write this, Garrett Atkins just cut Game 4 to a one-run contest.)

The AP and Sports Illustrated are both reporting that A-Rod has informed the New York Yankees that he's going to opt out of his contract, and the remaining $72 million that he would have been paid. (Did I just type that? $72 million?) This also lets the Texas Rangers off the hook for the $21 million they would've had to pay as part of their trade agreement with the Yankees.

Rodriguez is thus a free agent, and if the Yankees are to be believed, this effectively ends his career in Bronx pinstripes. Yesterday, it was reported that that the Yankees were preparing to offer him a five-year, $150 million contract extension. But according to A-Rod's agent, the aforementioned Mr. Boras, uncertainty over whether or not Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada, and Andy Pettitte will re-sign with the Yankees led his client to this decision.

So A-Rod is going on the market. Will the Detroit Tigers be putting in a bid for his services?

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bid? maybe

Most teams should be talking to Scott Boras, at least for a moment, for a player of A-Rod's quality. But I seriously don't think the Tigers should pursue the kind of contract Boras most likely wants.

I'm not against paying him 25 or 30 for a few years. But any deal past about 4 years, forget it. You can seriously screw up a franchise for a long time like that.

by Kurt Mensching on Oct 29, 2007 12:35 AM EDT reply actions

Tigers and A-Rod will talk...

I'm almost certain that the Tigers will express interest in A-Rod. He is a truly great player and the Tigers are a playoff contender that needs help to get to the promised land. The Tigers have a good relationship with Boras, and I would expect them to at least inquire about A-Rod...at the very least just to keep that franchise-agent relationship going strong.

Will the Tigers sign Alex Rodriguez? I hope not. If he is going to turn down 5 years and $150 million, (if that IS the truth)then there is little else the Tigers can do to top that deal. Even if ownership gave the green light to a similar deal, I wouldn't be interested in seeing management committing that kind of money for that long.

The Tigers will need to be flexible to stay a competitive franchise. Giving $30 million to one player limits what they can do.

by Brian8603 on Oct 29, 2007 12:43 AM EDT reply actions