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 out of 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?

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.

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.

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.  

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 real and 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.