In a hopefully recurring topic, I'm going to be looking at some of the high-profile guys who are probably going to test the free-agent waters this offseason. I'm an O's fan so I'm going to start this in the beginning of September. First up, the big one:
Alex Rodriguez, SS-3B, New York Yankees
It is all but certain that A-Rod will opt-out of the remainder of his contract that pays him $25.2 Million annually. Who in his right mind would opt out of a contract that large? A man whose agent is telling him he's going to get $36M in free agency. It's hard to believe a man being paid that kind of money would live up to his contract, but Rodriguez has without a doubt. In my opinion, by the time all is said and done, he'll be considered the best player of all time. Yes, better than Ruth, Williams, Honus Wagner, Willie Mays, etc.
So, what's the outlook for A-Rod? Someone will pay him close to the $36 million his agent's after. But who?
Boston - Incumbent third baseman Mike Lowell is a free agent after the season. For all the talk about the Yankees trying to buy a title and not producing enough young talent, the Sox are in the same boat when it comes to position players. With the exception of Pedroia, who I consider to be an average major-leaguer, and Varitek who is seriously overrated because he's "fiery", the Sox have no one playing significant time that came from the system. There's the new kid Ellsbury who's lighting it up, but he's played 12 games.
The Sox missed out on A-Rod after a MLBPA veto. It was a move that seemed to please A-Rod as he was willing to take a pay cut. Ahhh, this also tells me himleaving New York has nothing to do with money. Thanks Yanks fans!!!
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim California of these United States of America - Since Troy Glaus left, the guy mainly playing third base is Chone Figgins. There's a lot to like about Chone Figgins. He hits for a high average, will take the occasional walk and can steal bases at a pretty good success rate. He has almost no power, not even double power which with his speed is pretty telling. Chone Figgins is an exceptional utility-man to have on your roster, but if LAAACotUSoA want to return to the series, they're going to need to upgrade here.
Texas- Hank Blalock is turning into a bust here and Tom
Hicks is willing to spend money. Michael
Young has adapted well to playing SS and Ian Kinsler is very good so A-Rod would stay at third if he returned.
Philly - Philly already has 3/4 of a great infield with Howard, Utley, and Rollins. The Phillies are dying for a championship here and would probably be willing to spend the money to bring A-Rod here. Abraham Nunez is playing third now for Philadelphia and he's just plain bad. Rodriguez could get Philly over the hump, but if A-Rod is looking for a care-free atmosphere after New York, he's not going to find it in Philly.
St. Louis - Scott Rolen is virtually unmoveable from third base, but come on, they've got Eckstein playing short.
San Francisco- I can see SF making a bid for Rodriguez, but I see
nothing attractive about it for Rodriguez to play there. The media
attention will be all over Barry for the first year and then it will
all turn to Alex. The team is not very good at all.
So, that's who I see in the running for Alex Rodriguez.
My Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies 5yr/$178M
Alex Rodriguez, SS-3B, New York Yankees
It is all but certain that A-Rod will opt-out of the remainder of his contract that pays him $25.2 Million annually. Who in his right mind would opt out of a contract that large? A man whose agent is telling him he's going to get $36M in free agency. It's hard to believe a man being paid that kind of money would live up to his contract, but Rodriguez has without a doubt. In my opinion, by the time all is said and done, he'll be considered the best player of all time. Yes, better than Ruth, Williams, Honus Wagner, Willie Mays, etc.
So, what's the outlook for A-Rod? Someone will pay him close to the $36 million his agent's after. But who?
Boston - Incumbent third baseman Mike Lowell is a free agent after the season. For all the talk about the Yankees trying to buy a title and not producing enough young talent, the Sox are in the same boat when it comes to position players. With the exception of Pedroia, who I consider to be an average major-leaguer, and Varitek who is seriously overrated because he's "fiery", the Sox have no one playing significant time that came from the system. There's the new kid Ellsbury who's lighting it up, but he's played 12 games.
The Sox missed out on A-Rod after a MLBPA veto. It was a move that seemed to please A-Rod as he was willing to take a pay cut. Ahhh, this also tells me himleaving New York has nothing to do with money. Thanks Yanks fans!!!
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim California of these United States of America - Since Troy Glaus left, the guy mainly playing third base is Chone Figgins. There's a lot to like about Chone Figgins. He hits for a high average, will take the occasional walk and can steal bases at a pretty good success rate. He has almost no power, not even double power which with his speed is pretty telling. Chone Figgins is an exceptional utility-man to have on your roster, but if LAAACotUSoA want to return to the series, they're going to need to upgrade here.
Texas- Hank Blalock is turning into a bust here and Tom
Hicks is willing to spend money. Michael
Young has adapted well to playing SS and Ian Kinsler is very good so A-Rod would stay at third if he returned.
Philly - Philly already has 3/4 of a great infield with Howard, Utley, and Rollins. The Phillies are dying for a championship here and would probably be willing to spend the money to bring A-Rod here. Abraham Nunez is playing third now for Philadelphia and he's just plain bad. Rodriguez could get Philly over the hump, but if A-Rod is looking for a care-free atmosphere after New York, he's not going to find it in Philly.
St. Louis - Scott Rolen is virtually unmoveable from third base, but come on, they've got Eckstein playing short.
San Francisco- I can see SF making a bid for Rodriguez, but I see
nothing attractive about it for Rodriguez to play there. The media
attention will be all over Barry for the first year and then it will
all turn to Alex. The team is not very good at all.
So, that's who I see in the running for Alex Rodriguez.
My Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies 5yr/$178M
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