In case you hadn’t noticed Alex Rodriguez is having one heck of a season. My how times have quickly changed. Last October A-Rod was the butt of water cooler jokes around America. Just a scant few months later he is once again the toast of the baseball world. Thanks to a carefully placed clause in the 10 year- $252 million dollar contract he signed with the Texas Rangers in 2001, Alex can actually opt outof this deal at the end of the season and become a free agent.
As the situation stands A-Rod will earn $27 million dollars this season and is slated to make the exact same amount each year from 2008-2010 (when the contract expires). Back when mega-agent Scott Boras brokered the deal, salaries in baseball skyrocketed annually. It’s likely that Boras and A-Rod thought that their numbers could be surpassed over time. This “out clause” provided an escape in the event that Alex somehow wound up being “underpaid”. However, since then new contracts have basically stabilized. No other player has approached Alex’s high water mark. Even so, there is wide speculation that perhaps he will test the free agent waters. My question is: Why?
Can A-Rod Make More Money Elsewhere?
I suppose anything is possible but I just don’t see any team other than the Yankees paying A-Rod more than $27 million dollars a season. The Yankees and Rangers currently split the payments on this existing albatross of a contract, making it somewhat more bearable. If a new deal were made the next team would have to shoulder the load independently. That’s not overly likely to happen. Having already been labeled as greedy in certain circles, is this the type of public image the sensitive A-Rod would want to perpetuate? This would leave him vulnerable to even more nationwide scorn.
Is A-Rod Bitter Over All The Booing Last Season?
This is definitely a possibility, especially considering that he is a sensitive sort as I just stated. Factor in his recent troubles with New York tabloids that went out of their way to expose his extra marital affairs (Stray-Rod) and the plot thickens. Then take into account that these same tabloids did not always choose the kindest of words when writing about his notorious struggles and the motive to leave increases. Finally, keep in mind that he originally tried to negotiate a trade from Texas to the Red Sox in order to beat the Yankees and the wheels really start turning. Boston is one of a few teams that could possibly afford him. Would a spiteful A-Rod stoop to this level of vengeance? They do say that revenge is a dish best served cold.
If You Can Make It Here, Can You Make It Anywhere?
All statistical accolades aside, and two MVP awards not withstanding, Alex has never won a thing. It don’t mean a thing, if you ain’t got that ring. In fact people have already begun to bandy about the so-called “Curse of A-Rod”. I don’t know how these things get created but they certainly are amusing. When something is hard to explain, let’s bring in the supernatural. Alex has publicly stated that he loves New York and wants to win a title withthe Yankees. Then again the term "straight shooter" hasn’t always been associated with A-Rod. SSSHHHHHHH…don’t tell anyone but some people have even accused him of being a big phony. As the season goes along and we receive less and less information from Alex about his intentions, we’ll see how just badly he truly wants to win in New York. Sticking it out in the Bronx would be a visible sign of toughness for the superstar with the “soft” reputation. Especially if the team misses the playoffs or he tanks in the post-season again.
Exactly How Much Does A-Rod Care About What We ThinkAnyway?
To hear all the closet shrinks theorize (feel free to include me in that group) Alex cares more than a little too much about what everyone thinks of him. He’s stuck his foot in his mouth on several occasions, has had his words twisted out on context at other times, and usually seems to be looking for the right thing to say instead of speaking earnestly from the heart. He is meticulous with his appearance to a fault and is on record for saying that, “Maybe people dislike me because I'm rich, bi-racial and handsome”. Hmmm…don’t hate him cause he’s beautiful. Yep, the R in Rodriguez is really short for Revlon. Even if some people do feel that way, the fact that he even stated this provides insight regarding his vanity. Or is it insecurity? I think it’s both. A-Rod has a very high opinion of himself and truth be told I can’t blame him. He is rich, bi-racial, handsome and perhaps the future career home run king after all. For the life of him (and me) he can’t figure out why so many people can’t stand him. The more time that goes by, the harder it will be to find the adoration he is desperately looking for.
What Will A-Rod Do?
I’m not 100% sure what he will do but I am pretty sure what he won’t. In my opinion A-Rod’s legacy matters far too much for him to give his critics any more fuel to attack him with. He craves acceptance. Turning his back on the Yankees of all teams, perhaps the richest franchise in all of sports, in a quest for more money is marketing suicide. That move, even at the Yankees’ expense, would send further contempt his way. The sheer fallout involved there could be immense. If the first contract felt like the weight of the world, what would a bigger one feel like?
There are two things I feel A-Rod wants: A World Series ring and the adulation of spectators. If he stays in New York he is well on his way to winning over ALL the fans, if he hasn't already. Believe it or not he has always had more supporters than critics in New York. Those who boo sound a lot louder and are easier to pick out than those who cheer. If he decides to play elsewhere, mark my words, it will probably have to be for less money. If he does this it will lay to rest many negative innuendos about his character. It will show that winning and happiness don’t always lose to the almighty dollar. The willingness to play for a lower salary would probably earn him newfound respect in many places. Plus it won’t be for everyone’s favorite team to hate, the New York Yankees.
What’ll it be for A-Rod? Win over the New York fans and keep the most cash or win over everyone else and settle for less? Either way does he lose? I think not…unless the curse of A-Rod is realand if the only thing that truly matters is that diamond encrusted ring. Then he’ll have his absurd bank account and the rest of his life to figure out where it all went wrong.
He should do what his heart tells him to…and then never look back.
Hard to call anyone who pockets 20 million a year a loser. We'll never know. I think I could deal with never winning a world series if I could make A-Rod money. What's important to A-Rod? I'm sure he'd say that he wants a ring, but what is he supposed to say? "I don't care about the Ring as long as I get my payday."
In todays agent filled sports where players take advantage of the fans...I'm reminded of my home town "Mr. Tiger" - Al Kaline who reportedly turned down a $100,000 per year contract saying, "No baseball player is worth that much money."
How about Gordie Howe who was quoted after earning his $13,000 salary in the mid 1950's saying "Little did the Red Wings know, but I would have PAYED THEM to let me play hockey."
We all trudge my way through life and many of us are considered (In our profession) to be one of the BEST at what we do. Many of us make a 5-digit salary and I'm sure that some are even at 6-digits (not me). I can't speak for everyone, but I tend to put things into perspective. These guys play a game. I work with the people who go to Iraq. Some of them don't come back. I work with people who put it on the line every day. These guys go on the DL for finger blisters.
In a way, playing for the Yankees can be a curse. If you don't "make it there", too many people want to label you a loser. It may just simply not be the right place for him. It's hard to say what motivates each individual. A-Rod seems to have a knack for thrusting himself into no-win situations. I personally root for the guy. I wouldn't be surprised if he went somewhere else, for less money, just to be happier overall. Since I don't know him personally though, this is pure speculation. It just seems to me that he gets a raw deal overall in the press.
I've been saying since the A-Rod will opt out of his contract talk began that the only real fit for A-Rod outside of N.Y. is S.F. I believe this for a few reasons...
#1 With Barry Bonds departing at the at the end of the season, the Giants will have a boat load of money to spend and they need a big name to fill his shoes. And the only name big enough to fill his shoes is Alex.
#2 I really think A-Rod wants to escape the monster of being a New York Yankee and being in the spotlight all the time makes him unhappy.
#3 It wouldn't be out of the question that the Giants would be willing to part with Zito and Bonds to get A-Rod, considering Bonds sucks and the Giants have a storeroom full of pitchers in the minors.
Great post as always. You know, rumors a few months ago said that the O's could make a move after A-Rod if he opted out. No doubt the Baltimore fans would embrace him and give him that warm and fuzzy feeling that he would want... but would he even go there thinking they can't get over the hump and end that draught? Even more tough to imagine, can the O's (with stickler Angelos) work out a deal with Boras the moneymaster?!
A lot of questions surrounding one of the best (if not THE best) in baseball.
I'd like to see him play somewhere that fans could appreciate his baseball performance. It seems that with all the media hype in New York, his performance is often an afterthought. I could care less about his off-the-field life, his skills on the diamond should be appreciated.
If he wants a World Series ring, New York or Boston is probably the only two places for him. Any other team that eats that salary probably won't have enough money left to build a competitive team. Just ask the Rangers.
Flying Pig---It definitely is a different age that we now live in. 50K is considered a good salary for many people and guys like Clemens make more than that for farting.
A-Rod is definitely no loser, as least as far as riches go. As for his personal life, I never judge. Don't know him and for all that we do hear, he could still be a really great guy.
As rich as he is he must want that ring. I know I sure would after the novelty of being filthy rich 252 million times over wore off.
I think it comes down to either pleasing New York and trying to "make it" on the biggest stage or pleasing everyone else and trying to win elsewhere for less money.
As long as he is happy that's all that should matter. This is just my opinion but why not go for it in the most famous city and for the most famous team in baseball? Just saying, not claiming that the Yankees are "better" than anyone else. Just more recognizable.
Nusl14---I really appreciate the praise. I have noticed some of your blogs and the comment is meaningful because you come across as a very good writer.
You raise a good question about A-Rod and Barry. Bonds will never be accepted in the majority of circles as far as I can tell. As disliked as A-Rod is by many, he would probably be a breath of fresh air if/when he claims the record. It would be as simple as picking the lesser of 2 "evils". I myself have nothing against Bonds. Don't know how many, if any, of his homeruns were steroid assisted. Since I don't know I tend not to care about things we'll never be able to prove. That would be a waste of time.
I don't think Alex wants to wait until the end to be idolized. However, sooner or later he may become cynical and just stop caring.
bubbayubba---For starters, that is one very cool screen name. Secondly I agree with everything you say.
The media helped to fuel the frenzy last year with the booing. It was rehashed night after night on ESPN. Then when it got really bad and into his head, they (the analysts) stepped back and made it out to be "bad" Yankees fans. In reality they helped to create this mess and then acted all shocked when it spiraled out of control. They fed the beast and then stepped back and watched. A bunch of hipocrites if you ask me.
I root for A-Rod to do well. He does not deserve to be held to such an extreme double standard than others cause he makes so much. He's only human too. If he leaves somewhere to be happy I wouldn't blame him either. The competitor in me feels he should stay in New York though. That is where the greatest potential reward lies.
sportthink---I hadn't considered those points you just made. I suppose San Fran makes sense but it would have to happen in a trade like you said prior to the end of this season. On the free agent market could the Giants afford him and would that be a choice of his? I guess only he knows.
As for escaping New York, I agree and disagree. I think A-Rod LOVES the spotlight and being in it all the time. I just don't think he was really ready for the pressure that the Yankees bring. It seems as though he has finally adjusted and is used to things now. However, has the damage already been done and has he soured on playing in the Bronx. We'll find out. If the team gets back in contention and he is shown the love he deserves, maybe he becomes "addicted".
My gut tells me that how the team fares ultimately determines if he stays or if he goes.
ksp---Hey buddy. We are tracking down the rest of the AL East like bounty hunters. Too bad the Red Sox got so much of a head start.
As for A-Rod going to your Orioles, we know that Angelos used to like to spend money. If he got back into the habit I could see him opening the vaults for A-Rod more so than other owners. It is very scary to think what Alex could do in that ballpark. Plus he could try and stick it to the Yankess 18 times ayear.
Hey, if both teams fall out of contention, how about a late trade? Maybe A-Rod for Tejada and one of your young pitchers like Bedard or Cabrera. With Miggy's #s going downhill, straight up wouldn't be fair. I'd make that trade rather than lose A-Rod for nothing.
You call Angelos and I'll call George. We can make this happen and keep him out of Boston. Ha Ha
Shooter---How's it going man? I haven't been able to blog much lately. Very busy and distracted these last few weeks. It's been a while since we crossed paths.
I agree with you. He should be appreciated more. Just don't fall into the trap that New York in general has it in for him. The vast majority of us like him and hope he stays.
The media is brutal though. Not only the New York media but also how the national media portrays the New York media. Sheesh, I hope that makes sense. I mean it's bad in New York but then everyone else talking about how bad it is in New York only makes it even worse.
There are very few places that the best player in baseball can go. He may be willing to take a pay cut but not that big of a pay cut. It may not be his current 27 million, but it will take at least 20-22 milllion if you ask me. At that point it's all just "funny money".
Just ask the blond on the cover of the New York Post up above. Skanks...gotta love em.
Josh Q---I will be sure to keep you updated on things. I'm sure you'll do the same. It's funny how a number such as 9 can mean different things to different people. At this point in time we both "like" the digit but I bet you still wouldn't trade.
Thanks for the heads up about the Fox Funhouse too. I probably never would have noticed. Obviously I need to check in more frequently. I sure hope they keep me in there for a day or two. Saw you were up "in the house" too. Congrats as well.
I sent Frank Irrizarry an email about maybe getting on his show. You know if you were interested we could probably do a good Red-Sox/Yankees banter. Then again we'd probably be the only ones who cared. You know how everyone else just doesn't get the rivalry.
Anyway, take it easy. I'll be down in NYC this weekend for a fishing trip into the sound. A little Mets-Yankees action will be a nice addition on TV. (hopefully)
I'm living in NYC now, and it is damned shame that people don't realize just how good he is. Drama Queen? Probably. Too sensitive? Yep. One of the five best players ever. You bet your ####.
Hey, the Good Dr. is back in the house. It's nice to see you back and providing great posts as I have just checked out your latest.
As for A-Rod, very much in agreement. Even so he is a fabulous talent and not nearly the #### that people try and make him out to be. I hope those in NYC who hold dumb grudges don't have to lose him as a player to realize just how much he means to a team. You don't miss something til you don't have it anymore.
Yankee fans remind me of UK Wildcat basketball fans. They demand perfection and will turn on ya if they don't get it. However, there are no fans more true to the game. They love their baseball as we love our basketball.
For that kind of money A-Rod needs to buy a backbone. Anyone that signs with the Yankees should know what is expected. I say he keeps the money and stays with the Yanks.
bluegrassLady---Thank you so much for stopping by. Yankees fans are very baseball "smart" and there are certain expectations they hold the players to. In fairness to A-Rod, some have been too harsh. However so much of it is centered around the fact that he slighted Derek Jeter in Esquire, tried to first get traded to Boston, does say "curious" things at times, and worst of all failed repeatedly in the clutch. Otherwise double standards, even for stars are not fair.
I love how you phrased it though. Use that money and buy a backbone for sure. If he proves he can win in NYC, then he silences all of his critics. If he uses his escape clause he faces the stigma of getting out of Dodge cause the going was too tough.
bluegrassLady---One more thing. I have been in contact with Frank Irizarry and think I might fill in for Flying Pig on the All Star Bloggers show tomorrow. I think FP had to drop out and I might take his slot. If that is the case I Really look forward to participating in the show with you!
When A-Rod signed with Texas, I cut the 10 year pay schedule out of Sports Illustrated.
I pull it out and swear at it every so often.
The Sawks can't swim faster than a shark.
I'm one of those who hopes A-Rod cleans up his personal life and concentrates on passing Bonds, so we can forget about the drug era having a HR leader.
drummer...nice expose here....I think A-Rod likes money too much to go for a lower salary...plus NY really does like a controversial player. After all, he IS a player. I just don't think Steinbrenner will let him go for any price...maybe it's Steinbrenner's ego that's the pawn in this potential chess game?
Mean D---How's it going bro. Always good to hear from you. In fact I listened to you on Frank's archives. You sounded like a real pro. Stephen A Smith and Jim Rome got nothing on you.
As for A-Rod...get that ring in the Bronx and the world truly becomes his.
husker---agreed, agreed, agreed. When he signed that deal with Texas I was stunned. It really is an outrageous amount of money. At the time I thought that salaries would just go up and up. I am so glad that the owners finally came to their "senses". Yeah right. Although even they have a limit I suppose.
I hope A-Rod claims the record and that the Sawx start sucking salt water.
lisa---I just don't know anymore. He has so much money maybe he would play for less. I doubt it though. No matter how much you have millions of dollars is tough to give away.
I do think A-Rod is a great fit in New York. He helps make stories and the biggest name should play in the biggest market. Just keep on producing and everything will be fine.
As for Big George, I hope he does everything to keep A-Rod. Then again with the opt out clause he is actually powerless to stop him if Alex really wants to leave.
As we have already learned, nobody ever seems to know what Alex is thinking. Thanks for stopping by Lisa.
riv....heck...I am jealous big time of the Yanks' payroll! I think he's a perfect fit for NY! He's a bit of a scum for the midnight romps, but u can't fault his play on the field. (except for that one "mine" call he pulled...) Any team would kill to have him, but only a few can afford him...it's perfect for him, perfect for NY.
lisa---Thanks for the vote of confidence. I hope I don't get "phone" fright. We shall see.
I can't say I was surprised to see A-Rod sleeping around. You'd like to think these athletes would have better morals, but with all that cash there is always a skanky woman looking for a good time. Don't get me wrong, A-Rod is totally wrong. No one put a gun to his head and forced him to say "I do". He should take his vows seriously but he sure isn't the only one.
As for the "mine" incident and as a Yankees fan all I can say is...GENIUS---PURE GENIUS!!!lol
Hey the team was playing like #### and they REALLY needed a win. If Jeter had done it they would still be singing his praises.
rivjo ........... It's as you say there aren't that many teams out there that'll be willing to pay the asking price for A-Rod.
Especially with regard to his agent Scott Boras whose been known to drive a hard bargain for the services of the players whom he represents. That being said we can never know what'll materialize when a team becomes really desperate for the services of a player. All notions of reallity tend to thrown out the window at times.
There also these rumours that are now surfacing about his private life not only to do with the alleged buxom blonde that he's been seeing. But also with regard to the behavior of he and his wife with regard to their own private life. If found to be true the allegations of sexual promiscuity and that of the menage a' trois' will most defeinately hurt his supposedly pristine image ! One can't deny however, that he's on of the most supremely gifted athletes in any sport being played right now.
rampant aka tophatal .........
Last edited by rampantfanatic on June 12th at 9:27 PM.
rivjo .......On a more personal note however. How've you been keeping as I'd not seen anything written by you in a while ? Or could it possibly be that I'd been missing some of your posts? I'd just completed several pieces under the tophatal , rampantfanatic & justanotherfan guise. But as usual a lot of my time has been taken up by work, if nothing else. I've also been keeping in close contact with my niece and brother. He's still out in Iraq and other than my niece who's on internet constantly with him as and when she can. I'm as such his only other point of contact other than directly with his kids.
It'd appear now that the NBA Finals are all but over, bar the shouting. As the Cavaliers haven't been able to even mount a credible opposition to the Spurs. They've been outplayed in all facets of the game by the Spurs !
Did you also get to see the fight between Cotto and Judah ? I've got a post up entitled Fight ? What Fight ? That's under the rampantfanatic guise and it covers some of my own observations bout the fight.
rampant aka tophatal ........
Last edited by rampantfanatic on June 12th at 9:41 PM.
Mean D---You got it man and I wouldn't say it if it wasn't true. Sincerely you did a tremendous job.
Wow, ramp. I had not heard yet of A-Rod and his wife adding additional excitement to their lives. That would be most interesting news. As for Alex the player, it may sound nuts but he really does fit in new York as Lisa said. All the extra curriculars and drama fit in nicely with the Yankees tradition of chaos.
As for my personal blogging, thank you for asking. There have been several things going on since Memorial DAy and all have kept me away. First and foremost my wife and I were in a car accident. Thankfully the kids were with their uncle and no one was hurt. However an elderly lady missed a red light and tore the entire front end of our van off. Had my wife not saw her and screamed I would never have seen her coming and hit the brakes. She likely would have hit my wife's door (in her huge Lincoln Town Car) either killing my wife or seriously injuring her. My wife was bruised and battered but none the worse for wear. That put things in perspective for awhile and truth be told I could not get enough of my family for several days.
Throw in my wife constantly needing the computer to finish a term paper and the crazy end of the school year and then I had little blogging time. Things have settled down so hopefully I will be participating more once again.
I do appreciate you noticing my absence. I am glad to say that all is well. I'll be sure to stop by your new pieces at some point this afternoon/evening.
rivjo ......... It's great to know that you and your wife survived that ordeal. I hope that everything is definately OK however ? It can't have been too pleasant an experience from the outset. And it's good to know that you're back and all raring to go. With the added excitement of A-Rod and his on and off field activities. One can only hope that the off field ones don't disrupt the onfield ones. They've suddenly begun to find a groove and hopefully they'll be able to play some high quality baseball over the next few months. As that's what they'll have to do if they're willing and able to catch the Red Sox , let alone make the playoffs.
The news coming out about Corralles being over three times the legal limit when he lost his life in Vegas seems to have really hurt his legacy somewhat. Why can't these young guys understand that drinking and driving just doesn't mix ? It only makes things worse for them in the long run.
I've a new post up under this guise about the Cotto , Judah fight. It's titled Fight ? What Fight ? Give it a read and let me know what you think .
rampant aka tophatal ..........
Last edited by rampantfanatic on June 13th at 10:22 AM.
rivjo .......... What's your wife studying or should I state studying with regard to the upcoming exams ? Hopefully it's not proving to arduous for her ? I know what it's like to be in that sort of a position and I for one don't envy her at this moment in time. As it's got to be tough ! My niece who's at present working in a law office in London. Now wants to go back to school to study law. She's got a degree in fashion ,textile and design but couldn't get a job to work with any of the major stores in London. My sister is happy that she's considering that but I'd stated ot her that it'll be tough on her. She's thiry years of age and although extremely ambitous she's also got two young kikd to think off being that she's also a single mother. She says that she looks uip to me because I supposedly did things the right way. Worked and at the same time got an education. I retorted that it was something that was taught to me by her maternal grandmother.
ramp---Thanks again and we are all doing fine. I had to purchase a new van. The kicker is that I had just made the last payment and put in new brakes on the one that was totaled. I guess it is better than still owing money for a vehicle I do not have. Even better than being seriously hurt or killed!
I heard that Corrales was VERY intoxicated. He lived like he fought I guess: dangerously. It is a shame that people make such inexcusable choices.
As for A-Rod, I hope that the field becomes his sanctuary where he can block everything out.
I missed the Cotto-Judah fight but will be watching the replay. From what I read it went as I anticipated. Too much firepower from Cotto down the stretch.
My wife is making a lateral move career wise. She was in college admissions but has been hope with the kids. She is going to school to be a high school counselor. Instead of getting them at college she will be sending them to college. Plus we will have the same vacation schedule. Very nice!
I'll be by tonight to give the fight blog a read and on Frank Irizarry's radio show. Check it out.
Josh Q---When I contacted Frank he needed someone to fill in tonight. I think your date is filled. Maybe he'll have me on twice? Then again it is a long season so we can get our feet wet first and then try and set something up when things inevitably (hopefully) heat up this summer.
Hey call in. A-Rod is a topic this evening!
Let's definitely get this going though. Sooner, later or somewhere in between... it would be great.
rivjo - Get 'em while they're young and instill some sense of semblance and discipline in their lives at an early age. It'll definately make better citizens of 'em all ! A-Rod if nothing can be a model of composure on the field. But off it I'm now beginning to wonder. As for the Cotto Judah fight you didn't actually miss much. As Judah specifically wasn't up to the task. Check out my piece on the fight titled Fight ? What Fight ? It's written under this moniker.
Ramp---Just trying to give my kids all that I missed out on. I think that's part of the reason I became a teacher too.
A-Rod continues to pour it on. Looks like it could be his best season ever. For a stat monster like him, that's nothing to sneeze at.
Checked out the fight blog. Top notch as usual. More good ones on the way I hope. Ricky Hatton will have his hands full soon as I believe he takes on Jose Luis Castillo next on June 23rd. That is one I am anxious to see. Brawler against brawler. Let's not forget Bernard Hopkins and Winky Wright on July 21st either.
rivjo .......As I'd mentioned to another commentator earlier I don't think about a lot of my fellow countrymen as being great boxers.As they've not been tried and tested. Hatton was brilliant in his dismantling of Kostya Tszyu . But since that fight he's been marginal at best. He'd have to be on top if his game and absolutely brilliant to beat Jose Luis Castillo when they meet. As Castillo has been known to put lesser men to sleep. He's not one to mess about in the ring and will take an advantage of an opponent who's not well prepared. Hatton has to be when he faces this man ! If not he'll be beaten quite easily.
So the Spurs won and hopefully now we'll won't hear anymore complaints as to how boring they've become. As a team can only play up the opposition that they face. The Cavaliers were found and wanting and there wasn't much else that they could do. It was a commendable run by LeBron and his teammates but it had to end for them the way that it did.
I'm a special ed teacher by trade. Funny, I spend my day wanting to say shut-up to people and then do the same here. Just can't seem to. That would be rude and most uncivilized.
I like to write and never met a thought I couldn't continue. My blogs, like this bio, tend to be far too long. I can admit it. If you make it to the end of one of my "essays" there's usually a message that could have been written in half the time by a better writer than me.
Did I mention I was a finalist in NGS II? No really I was, further proving that theyll let anyone in this place. I came in 10th, which is better than 16th I guess. Other than winning the 4th grade graduation writing award it was the biggest literary accomplishmen t of my life. I still haven't gotten used to being famous.
expires). Back when mega-agent Scott Boras brokered the deal, salaries in baseball skyrocketed annually. It’s likely that Boras and A-Rod thought that their numbers could be surpassed over time. This “out clause” provided an escape in the event that Alex somehow wound up being “underpaid”. However, since then new contracts have basically stabilized. No other player has approached Alex’s high water mark. Even so, there is wide speculation that perhaps he will test the free agent waters. My question is: Why?
I suppose anything is possible but I just don’t see any team other than the Yankees paying A-Rod more than $27 million dollars a season. The Yankees and Rangers currently split the payments on this existing albatross of a contract, making it somewhat more bearable. If a new deal were made the next team would have to shoulder the load independently. That’s not overly likely to happen. Having already been labeled as greedy in certain circles, is this the type of public image the sensitive A-Rod would want to perpetuate? This would leave him vulnerable to even more nationwide scorn. 
just stated. Factor in his recent troubles with New York tabloids that went out of their way to expose his extra marital affairs (Stray-Rod) and the plot thickens. Then take into account that these same tabloids did not always choose the kindest of words when writing about his notorious struggles and the motive to leave increases. Finally, keep in mind that he originally tried to negotiate a trade from Texas to the Red Sox in order to beat the Yankees and the wheels really start turning. Boston is one of a few teams that could possibly afford him. Would a spiteful A-Rod stoop to this level of vengeance? They do say that revenge is a dish best served cold.
All statistical accolades aside, and two MVP awards not withstanding, Alex has never won a thing. It don’t mean a thing, if you ain’t got that ring. In fact people have already begun to bandy about the so-called “Curse of A-Rod”. I don’t know how these things get created but they certainly are amusing. When something is hard to explain, let’s bring in the supernatural. Alex has publicly stated that he loves New York and wants to win a title with the Yankees. Then again the term "straight shooter" hasn’t always been associated with A-Rod. SSSHHHHHHH…don’t tell anyone but some people have even accused him of being a big phony. As the season goes along and we receive less and less information from Alex about his intentions, we’ll see how just badly he truly wants to win in New York. Sticking it out in the Bronx would be a visible sign of toughness for the superstar with the “soft” reputation. Especially if the team misses the playoffs or he tanks in the post-season again. 
his foot in his mouth on several occasions, has had his words twisted out on context at other times, and usually seems to be looking for the right thing to say instead of speaking earnestly from the heart. He is meticulous with his appearance to a fault and is on record for saying that, “Maybe people dislike me because I'm rich, bi-racial and handsome”. Hmmm…don’t hate him cause he’s beautiful. Yep, the R in Rodriguez is really short for Revlon. Even if some people do feel that way, the fact that he even stated this provides insight regarding his vanity. Or is it insecurity? I think it’s both. A-Rod has a very high opinion of himself and truth be told I can’t blame him. He is rich, bi-racial, handsome and perhaps the future career home run king after all. For the life of him (and me) he can’t figure out why so many people can’t stand him. The more time that goes by, the harder it will be to find the adoration he is desperately looking for. 
spectators. If he stays in New York he is well on his way to winning over ALL the fans, if he hasn't already. Believe it or not he has always had more supporters than critics in New York. Those who boo sound a lot louder and are easier to pick out than those who cheer. If he decides to play elsewhere, mark my words, it will probably have to be for less money. If he does this it will lay to rest many negative innuendos about his character. It will show that winning and happiness don’t always lose to the almighty dollar. The willingness to play for a lower salary would probably earn him newfound respect in many places. Plus it won’t be for everyone’s favorite team to hate, the New York Yankees. 
