Next Stop For A-Rod?

Anthony McCarron of the New York Daily News places odds on his eight most likely destinations for Alex Rodriguez in 2008.  In order of likelihood, McCarron names the Angels, Dodgers, Red Sox, Yankees, White Sox, Cubs, Mets, and Giants.  The latter two are seen as long shots by McCarron.

The first four picks seem reasonable.  I don't agree with the Chicago teams at 8-1 odds though.  Kenny Williams is a bargain shopper; A-Rod's contract would be more than triple the largest in franchise history.  And the deal would be struck with Scott Boras.  Not happening.  The Cubs I thought had a good chance earlier this year, but not so much anymore.  If the ownership situation is thwarting a Carlos Zambrano extension and even a minor Jacque Jones dump trade, I wouldn't expect it to get resolved in time to hand out a contract that will dwarf even Alfonso Soriano's. 

I like the Giants more than 50-1, if Barry Bonds leaves but the team retains a win-now mentality.  Barry Zito might not be able to serve as the face of the franchise, after all.  To be fair, we are only 1/14 through Zito's contract right now.  And the Red Sox with better odds than the Yankees seems questionable.

Some additional possible A-Rod destinations:

• Rangers: I find this idea absurd, but it did appear in print today.
• Blue Jays: He'd probably play shortstop in Toronto.  Some money will come off the books this winter, but many salaries escalate by several million for '08 as well.  We have seen Ricciardi make free agent splashes, and he could keep Rodriguez away from the Yankees and Red Sox.  Toronto's $82MM payroll entering '07 was their highest ever.
• Orioles: Same AL East motivation, plus a way to renew fan interest.  And the newfound tolerance of Scott Boras.  Ken Rosenthal mentioned in April that the O's might make an offer.
• Phillies: The Phils could have almost $30MM come off the books for '08.
• Diamondbacks: They've expressed interest in trading for Rodriguez in the past. Josh Byrnes and Co. haven't made a signing like this yet, but it could represent the next phase in their plan as their young team keeps getting stronger.
• Indians: They've inquired about a trade as well, but I really can't see this happening.  Maybe if the Tribe wins the World Series.

We could probably throw a couple more teams in there but that's the field as I see it.

Comments

[wildo05]

I would bet the farm that ARod signs with the Red Sox at the end of the year. Watching the Sox everynight it is evident that at the end of the season they will need to upgrade their offense. They will have a hole at third base and potentially at shortstop if they are able to pay someone to take on Julio Lugo (as Jayson Stark has recently suggested). The Sox also has some rather large contracts coming off the books (Clement, Lowell, potentially Schilling and potentially Tavarez). Also one cannot forget, Manny could possibly be entering his final year with the Red Sox. We often hear that the only way for the Sox to unload Manny is to get equal value and ARod is one of those players who represents equal value and at a younger age. Lets not forget ARod was willing to give back money to play with the Red Sox back in the 2003 offseason. I think people are not thinking about this match enough, the Sox will have the money and wouldn't it be great to see ARod hitting A-Bombs against the Yankees! Lucchino would love to take a shot at the Yankees again! I would get up and applaud this signing! ARod if your reading this we would welcome you with open arms to Boston!

[gtliles]

Roto, Guillen signed a 4-year extension prior to opening day. Just reminding you, since you posted about it at the time : ).

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2819448

[Astro Fan in NYC]

If it wasn't for Boras, I think the Astros should make a big splash for him. We have no SS\3rd Baseman worth keeping, and we would have the scariest lineup in the league.

Pence, Berkman, Arod, Lee, Loretta

[JerseyMetFan]

Reyes, Beltran, Wright, A-Rod, Delgado >>> Pence, Berkman, Arod, Lee, Loretta

[Eric Jackson]

Carlos Guillen already signed with the Tigers for 4 years before the start of the season.

Though his errors make him a shaky shortstop long-term.

[JerseyMetFan]

A-Rod replacing the hobbled Valentin at 2B next year is every Met fan's wet dream. Would never happen, I know, but we can dream.

Wright was even quoted a few months ago saying that he would move (2B, maybe 1B) if A-Rod would come to NY.

[Teetz]

The AROD to the White Sox ideas are as unrealistic as AROD back to the Rangers. Who here thinks Jerry Reinsdorf will bulk up payroll an extra $20-25 mil?

[coolpapabell]

There is no way A-rod plays for the Mets. There is no where to play him. I also think that you could get three players that contribute for one A-Rod.

Remember,learn from the Rangers' mistakes.

[RotoAuthority]

Crap, blanked on Guillen. I'll take the Tigers out.

[Darin]

woah.

"Reyes, Beltran, Wright, A-Rod, Delgado >>> Pence, Berkman, Arod, Lee, Loretta"

This could be a huge arguement, but I don't think that if the Met's lineup is better than the Astros (the names mentioned above, not entire lineup) that they are much better. Pence, Berkman, Lee holds up against any other three in the NL. Loretta's a stretch.

[Evil Empire]

I don't see any possibility of Arod leaving NY for Boston or the Mets. If he leaves it won't be all about the money this time, but also to distance himself from the media circus which is NY. Boston's is no better, worse in some respects.

I actually don't see him going anywhere because his only likely destination is Cali but I doubt any of their teams will pony up the 25 million he is currently making. Which makes a Texas bid possible because they are still responsible for 60 odd million if he stays in NY. So figure another 10 year 25 million contract will get him out of NY. Texas would essentially only be spending 190 million.

Makes sense to me

[jza1218]

"Reyes, Beltran, Wright, A-Rod, Delgado >>> Pence, Berkman, Arod, Lee, Loretta"

I'd bat Wright second to split up the righties

[Teetz]

Only way the Cubs are involved in A-Rod talks is if they let Zambrano go. I think it'd be smart to trade Zambrano for a couple of top tier pitching prospects and go cheap in the rotation. Then use the money Zambrano would make to assist in getting A-Rod this offseason. Marmol, Dempster, Marshall, Gallagher, Petrick, Veal would all be nice cheap options for the rotation next year behind Lilly, Marquis and Hill.

Of course, this all seems extremely unlikely but it'd be the smart thing to do.

Of course, if Bud Selig, Reinsdorf, and the boys with memberships to every elitist racist country club in America were to allow a good independent owner to buy the Cubs, they might want to make a splash; however the Cubs are no longer profitable unless they move into a new stadium so look for payroll to stay right around 100-110 mil.

[Papelboner]

I don't see how the Rangers or A-Rod would go down that road again. Why would he want to go there again? Nothing has improved (esp. the pitching) and the Rangers have Michael Young for a few more years, anyway. The Red Sox make a lot of sense, I just don't know if I want him. I'm amazed at the talent, but am continually annoyed by his behavior. They aren't major problems, just annoyances, like slapping the ball out of Arroyo's glove, throwing an elbow and Pedroia and the yelling at Toronto's 3B. If you're the best player in baseball, why do you feel a need to do these things? You would expect better, right? Nonetheless, I would be happy to take the Yanks best player and stick him on the Sox. Arod, Ortiz, Manny, Drew in the middle of that lineup, yikes!

[bsox21]

Arod is a Yankee.

After what he's going to do this year, there is no way in hell they let him walk.

Arod is the main attraction and has taken over te team just as I predicted.

Without Arod, the Yankees would lose all it's luster.

You guys need to understand the culture of Yankees fans and how much they mean to MLB.

Yankees fans are MLB's biggest market by FAR.

I spent my whole life here and can tell you Yankees fans will not be excited about seeing an Arod-less yankees.

They are competing for headlines with the Mets, and Arod is the only guy on that team that can compete with a very exciting Mets club.

Forget what you think you know about the game. It's business first and Arod means too much to the Yankees marketability at this point.

[Iron Nat]

"Forget what you think you know about the game. It's business first and Arod means too much to the Yankees marketability at this point."

Just one more reason for the Mets or Red Sox to go after ARod. You you really think that they care about Yankee fan's sensibilities?

[JerseyMetFan]

Yeah I guess you're right. I didn't mean WAY better, but I guess the three ">>>s" made it seem that way.

As far as the big 3 goes, you're probably right. Off the top of my head, nobody really stands out.

Reyes/Wright/Beltran
Rollins/Utley/Howard
Pence/Berkman/Lee
Soriano/Lee/Ramirez

IMO, those are the 4 top tier tandems in the NL. The others (Florida, Miluakee) are good, but are a notch down from the rest.

[Evil Empire]

Texas only makes sense because of the money they still owe on his contract. If NY extends him, for either a want to keep him or as a sign and trade, Texas remains on the hook.

Check this scenario: NY trades him and others to Texas for Teixeira and others. Arod accepts knowing he's gone after the season is done anyway. He signs in the offseason somewhere else.

NY gains Texeira.

Texas loses Tex's trade value but also the 60 odd million of Arod's contract they're responsible for.

Arod gets away from the media circus and signs with a Cali team.

Texas is a possibility

[JerseyMetFan]

No way Texas trades Tex just to free up some money from A-Rod. Tex is all they have.

[davearm]

"Arod is a Yankee.

After what he's going to do this year, there is no way in hell they let him walk."
I thought ARod had a vote in this.

Actually, I thought ARod had the only vote in this.

If ARod doesn't want to put up with the BS anymore, he doesn't have to, and he won't, and there's not a damn thing the Yankees or their fans or their marketing dept can do to stop him from telling the entire org to kiss his ass.

Yankees fans will not be excited about seeing an Arod-less Yankees? Well maybe they should've thought of that before they booed him out of town.

[bsox21]

"If ARod doesn't want to put up with the BS anymore, he doesn't have to, and he won't, and there's not a damn thing the Yankees or their fans or their marketing dept can do to stop him from telling the entire org to kiss his ass."

Arod doesnt get booed anymore.

The Yankees have full leverage with dollar signs.

Arod is very smart, not that it takes a rocket scientist.

He knows his self worth is higher here than anywhere on earth.

Don't make the mistake of thinking he doesnt love the attention. That's why he came here.

He knew a guy of his status would get this type of coverage. He WANTED it.

Arod loves NY, NY (secretly) loves Arod.

He aint going anywhere.

[CubFan81]

While nothing is certain, it's almost a forgone conclusion that Alex will opt out this off season. He'll have close to 515 career HR by age 31. He's too smart a businessman to know what he has to gain.

He's essentially using the next 3 or 4 of his prime years to leverage an ungodly amount of money for his late 30's. It might be easier for him to get another $250mil now than it would be for him to get $150 at age 34.

Not to mention, with his career HR total now, he'd only have to average 30 HR for the next 9 years to get to about 785. Figure 40-55 a year early on and he'd be a marketing gold mine for that last part of the contract.

[Evil Empire]

Jersey Fan, not straight up.

If you consider the two teams, their needs do match up well. NY supposedly has a bevy of pitchers in their farm system, a Texas need. Texas has Gagne and Otsuka available, certainly a Yankee need. On top of those, I believe the team losing Arod would be compenasated with 2 1st round supplemental draft picks.

So the right deal could get Texas a couple of potential starters, 2 1st round picks and 60 odd million returned.

[delaware_bird]

I wouldn't doubt that the Baltimore Orioles make a run at Arod.

It's not like the Orioles aren't spenders. They made a substancial offer to Vladimir Gurerro in 2004. Last winter they were in a bidding war with Houston over Carlos Lee. And in 1998 the Orioles gave Albert Belle the largest contract of the time.

That being said, I'd put the odds of the Yankees resigning him at 50% at least. I could see the Angels getting involved too.

[Evil Empire]

"Arod doesnt get booed anymore". That is totally conditional, and you know it.

[davearm]

bsox you really, really need to open your mind to the possiblity that you're completely 100% wrong with everything you just said, and the reality is that ARod can't wait to get out of his current situation in NY.

And the foolish notion that "ARod doesn't get booed anymore" would be completely obliterated by a month of hitting .150 and committing 10 errors.

[obsessivegiantscompulsive]

Not that I'm saying the Giants are the best bet for A-Rod, but why not SF?

They have a lot of money coming off the books next season, enough to pay for an A-Rod and still get other necessary pieces.

They have SS and 3B open, both starters are free agents, so A-Rod can chose where he wants to play.

They are in need of the next era, after Bonds is gone. A-Rod would be considered the leader of the team going forward and main centerpiece, particularly since the Giants would not be able to afford both Bonds and A-Rod (unless Bonds takes a steep paycut - and pigs will fly...).

They are in California, SF is a big town, but not that big. It is cosmopolitan but also laid back and down to earth. A-Rod can see the adolation the fans give Bonds and yet they also give him his space, which NY would not give.

They have a great pitching staff and needs to rebuild their offense so that they can capitalize on that pitching.

Ownership has been known for making big splashes, signing Bonds before they had legal right to in 1993, giving that huge $2M bonus to 16 year old prospect Villalona, signing Zito to the largest contract ever given a pitcher.

They had been rumored to have been inquiring into getting A-Rod via trade in the past. No way a trade like this gets started without approval from ownership; heck, ownership has mettled before in getting Bonds and Zito signed, so for all we know, they were the ones who ordered Sabean to approach the Yankees about A-Rod.

And since A-Rod is the next heir apparent to the career HR title, wouldn't it behoove the Giants ownership to secure the next homerun king so that they can capitalize on his chase? He will start getting close to Bonds's record just before the loan they obtained to finance the AT&T park is finally paid off, and should keep the crowds coming until the loan is almost paid off. That gives them extra incentive to make a big push to get him.

Plus, he will start passing the top homerun leaders soon, and most probably the first guys up to bat next season: Willie McCovey and Ted Williams with 521 HRs. At the pace he's going at, he's probably going to end up in the high 510's (assuming also that he doesn't play 162 games this season). And Willie Mays is only about 4-5 seasons away after that, maybe 3 if he jack up his rate.

The main negative would be the park. Homeruns by righties are down around 10% vs. other parks. The Yankees are elevated by around 4%.

But given how Bonds is seemingly the only lefty capable of hitting homers in the park, I have long suspected that the Giants analyzed flyballs hit by Bonds and the opponents and designed the RF wall to leave his hits alone while crushing most lefties.

If that is true, I can see the Giants making AT&T more friendly to A-Rod with a redesign of the outfield wall once he signs.

Again, not saying Giants are the likeliest, but mainly wondering "why not the Giants"?

[lekman]

Umm....whoever thinks Arod will go the the Red Sox ahead of the Yankees is smoking some wacky weed.

They boo Arod mercilessly in Fenway, if he wants a place to play where there's no pressure to ever win, he'll go to the Cubs.

Rest assured though, he will, mark my words: AROD WILL REMAIN A YANKEE

[obsessivegiantscompulsive]

"Arod doesnt get booed anymore".

Think about this statement from the viewpoint of a pampered superstar athlete who has a big supersized ego.

Wouldn't his response to such a statement be "why the F- did A-Rod get booed in the first place! I'm A-Rod. The boos dissed me. A-Rod has hit a lot of homers for the Yankees and did not deserve to get booed for any reason, A-Rod has hit a lot of homers and given my heart and soul to the team. Did I mention all the homers? Don't they know who I am?!? I'm A-Rod!"

But I would imagine that a boatload of money, the size of the boats that King George's old company made, could assuage his ego a bit.

But if you had a supersized ego, as A-Rod appears to have, would you stand for any booing at all? Would you want to play for those fans who booed you?

Given that Boras is his agent, I know his public stance will be that the fans love him (please George, bid up my contract amount) but you have to think that he is also thinking that he can't wait to get away from fans who don't adore him unconditionally, no matter what. So he will want to go to a big city, to feed his ego, not smaller towns like Baltimore and particularly not teams like Baltimore who does not appear to know what they are doing, and for a long time now.

Thus most of the rumored teams above are therefore probably out, he needs a challenge for his ego, a stage for him to perform on the national level, but not so much that he can't breathe.

I think the Dodgers could be too close to the media-mad environment of the Yankees for A-Rod's tastes, but the Angels could be close enough and yet far away enough for him. And the Angels' owner do like the Latin stars like Vlad and Colon. I would call them the frontrunners: billionaire owner with bottomless pockets.

Boston definitely is the mix, but in terms of size, ability to take on salary, and I think they would love stealing away a Yankee asset.

I also agree that the Chicago teams are not for A-Rod for the reasons above. I think Baltimore will mainly be around to drive up the price but then A-Rod will play the "OK, thanks for playing, but I'm not negotiating with you anymore" card.

I don't know about the Mets. I can see sticking it to Yankees fans by going across town to the Mets. However, does he still want to live in the bubble and be hounded around town?

I don't know A-Rod, but from my following him in the media, while he has a big ego, he seems to be sensitive too, kind of like the way Barry Bonds is. They want to be adored but only as long as the fans keep their distance and let him live his life. And neither one really likes the media, they only tolerate it to a certain extent. If that is accurate, NY, Chicago and LA probably would be negatives for him.

To answer the main article's question above, the Giants retain a win-now attitude, they have a huge loan to pay and a huge park to fill up to pay for the loan. They made a huge splash with Zito (and Boras); you don't do that if you don't want to win now and into the foreseeable future.

I've also wondered if the Giants signed Zito as a precursor (opening offering?) towards signing A-Rod. Huge splash. Biggest contract ever for pitcher. Lovey-dovey press conference with Boras. Let Boras know that they are looking to make a big splash - hint, hint, nudge, nudge - in finding THE centerpiece player they need to take over for Bonds in SF.

Of course, that is all day dreaming, pie in the sky, but it would explain how the Giants suddenly swooped in at the 23rd hour and sign Zito.

[Teetz]

"if he wants a place to play where there's no pressure to ever win, he'll go to the Cubs. "

Dumb and completely false.

[Darin]

A-Rod's too young for the Giants. They will sign him after his next contract is up.

[Evil Empire]

After contemplating each Arod destination while also considering his boarish behavior on the field and sense of entitlement off it, I believe I have the best answer:

Arod is probably going straight to hell.

[nrmax88]

"A-Rod replacing the hobbled Valentin at 2B next year is every Met fan's wet dream. Would never happen, I know, but we can dream.

Wright was even quoted a few months ago saying that he would move (2B, maybe 1B) if A-Rod would come to NY."

Lets just say this. I am not getting excited or getting my hopes up about Arod in queens or anything like that, but I would not rule it out. If Arod is out on the open market then Omar Minaya will atleast meet with him. Consider this, Arod grew up a met fan and wanted to play with the Mets the first time, not Texas. Omar Minaya cant help himself when it comes to purely talented guys. The Mets saved money by standing pat in the offseason, and with Glaviwe, Lo Duca, Green, Alou, Valentin possibly, I think El Duque has options, but there will be money to spend. Then the David Wright factor. I might be overating this, but I think it would mean a lot to him to have David Wright out trying to recruit him over here (which Wright would do there is no doubt in my mind), unlike Jeter who basically wants Arod out of the bronx. Knowing the face of our team was willing to move for him has to count for something. Like I said it is a longshot, you never know. One thing I do know is if Minaya decided to make a run at him, David Wright will do anything he can to get him over here. That also would give you the chance to start Gomez in left and Milledge in right the whole season because in such a good lineup you could afford to have 2 rookies playing everyday.

[nrmax88]

"Only way the Cubs are involved in A-Rod talks is if they let Zambrano go. I think it'd be smart to trade Zambrano for a couple of top tier pitching prospects and go cheap in the rotation. Then use the money Zambrano would make to assist in getting A-Rod this offseason. Marmol, Dempster, Marshall, Gallagher, Petrick, Veal would all be nice cheap options for the rotation next year behind Lilly, Marquis and Hill."

Most likely the Cubs wont get a top tier anything for Z, even if the decide to trade him. Didnt you guys just see the Buerhle saga? Zambrano hasnt come this far to not hit the open market now, if he is getting traded he isnt signing an extension, thats for sure, unless it is a team that offers him more then what he would have got on theopen market which makes no sense. This is before taking into cxonsideration the cubs wont trade him because they are competing, and probably the hottest team in the NL right now, in the worst division. I didnt think the cubs were going to the postseason this year, but the closer to the end of the season we get, if they are still hanging around then who knows.

[nrmax88]

"They have a lot of money coming off the books next season, enough to pay for an A-Rod and still get other necessary pieces. "

The giants dont even have enough money to get the necesarry pieces without signing arod. This team has immediate needs at 3B, SS, 2B, 1B, LF, RF. Atleast they have the best core of pitchers in that division, maybe the NL. Still though, they have holes like swiss cheese.

[lih]

"Arod is probably going straight to hell."

I take it you mean he's staying in New York?

[Tano]

Why is it so easy to get baseball fans suckered into a "controversy"? This article is pure media fluff. Total fantasy.

Arod is going to remain a Yankee. Period.

They need him, as much or more than anyone else.

They want him, and they can afford him more than anyone else.

All the indications are that he really does want to stay.

If he cares only about money, the Yankees can win that competition.

If he cares about being the big fish in the biggest pond, well, thats what he is. Anyone who thinks he is going to exile himself to paloookaville is nuts.

He has already made the emotional investment - suffering the slings and arrows of a very tough town and tough set of fans, and has survived and thrived and is about to become admitted to the Yankee pantheon. Read up on the difficulties that people like Mantle had earning acceptance.

Trust me folks. Arod is a Yankee for life, and for the ages.

[Dev0]

The only chance A-rod comes to toronto is if they trade Glaus now for a young cheap Shortstop. Even then I would be skeptical.

[beauhoopman]

This post and the Ichiro post reinforce the fact that the White Sox need to trade Contreras and Garland / Vazquez for some hitting. The Sox aren't getting any big names this offseason, and I can't possibly explain what I will do if I have to see Uribe, Podsednik or Erstad next year. Arguably the three worst starters in ALL of baseball, at any position. Anywhere.

[beauhoopman]

Roto-
Totally off-topic, but what are your thoughts on the White Sox trading Jim Thome? This year is over, and next year is over too, given that the Tigers and Indians are stacked through 2008. Why not try to deal Thome to the Angels for Wood and Aybar or something reasonable along those lines?

[Evil Empire]

I stand by my original scenario.

Arod to the Rangers.

What Texas gets: Arod for the rest of 2007, control of his contract which they are still paying some 60 odd million on (if NY extends him Texas is screwed. If he signs a new contract as a free agent Texas is off the hook. Texas must know Arod wants nothing to do with them, hence, bye Arod in 2008, hello 60 million), a few minor league pitchers, draft picks when he leaves in the offseason.

What NY gets: Teixeira, maybe Gagne, maybe Otsuka (depending on how many of these loser pitchers they've been displaying in 2007 they give up). Losing Arod the antichrist alone will make them a better team.

What Arod gets (ie. why he would ok the deal): Out of NY. Peace of mind. Brand new start in 2008 with some team in Cali, where Hollywood is close but critics are 1400 miles away.

It all makes so much sense if one assumes both the Yanks and Arod himself want out. And rest assured, they both do.

[GAW]

Not sure if the Rockies are able to add payroll, but they may be interested in A-Rod in exchange for Helton and Atkins. That will get A-Rod out of the fish-eye lense in NY and get a fresh start for Atkins and finally send Helton to the Yanks as has been rumored for so long.

[RotoAuthority]

I like the idea of trading Thome. His contract only runs through '08 and the Phillies are paying quite a bit. I'm surprised this hasn't come up in the published media at all.

[Aduncaroo]

I have heard a little bit about it on the score...but thats it. I agree...I think its a good way for them to see some pretty good prospects. They need em...

I am really hoping for the Cubs to get ARod in the offseason...but I just don't see it happening when they can't even get a deal done with big Z....maybe if Cuban bought the team....but Selig won't allow that to happen on his watch.

[Tano]

"What NY gets: Teixeira, maybe Gagne, maybe Otsuka (depending on how many of these loser pitchers they've been displaying in 2007 they give up). Losing Arod the antichrist alone will make them a better team."

This has got to be the single dumbest "analysis" that I have read in a very long time.

[darkstar1661]

“After contemplating each Arod destination while also considering his boarish behavior on the field and sense of entitlement off it, I believe I have the best answer:
Arod is probably going straight to hell.”

… although that was classic(!) I think Tano actually said it best with his “He will stay a Yankee rundown…

Him going to another team would just be such a huge financial burden for years to come. It was obvious at the time of the deal that A-Rod wouldn’t finish his time there and that they would probably have to eat money, if anyone else did take the gamble it would probably be the exact same situation.

The Mets seem to be a tad bit smarter with their money lately (see not overpaying for pitching this offseason) and the BoSox have probably learned that the “best player at the highest price” thing doesn’t mean “the smart move” (see Manny who they have tried to dump how many times?). Tex would probably be too much of a media disaster (this mistake again?) SF makes since if they didn’t have so many holes to fill… LA would probably be weary because of how many times they have been flat out robbed on the big-long-contracts they have given out… Cubs need pitching, not more high priced hitters… Ana maybe… I don’t know, I just see the amount of “real possibilities” to be much lower than it is rumored to be all the time.

He’s a great player, but he would be making 25+% of the teams payroll in most areas and it will have to be forever to outbid the Yanks. I just cant see him going elseware…

As far as trading Thome ~ YES!!! I actually mentioned it about a week or so ago, and really feel that team should trade anyone who isn’t going to be with them and useful in 2009 ASAP if they know whats good for them… but they don’t and instead KW is acting like he is about to add to his team with the idea to compete again next year. If they don’t trade guys, they don’t bring in the prospects and that offense will either cost a fortune to plug all the holes or they will continue to suck through the 2010 season…

If I was in charge, first I re-sign Garland to about his current 12m for another 3yrs; then gone are Dye, Vasquez, Contreras, Thome, Crede, MacDougal, Iguchi and anything else not nailed down and possibly worth something to a contender… Start bringing in Near-ML-Ready Top-Prospects as the return (& I don’t mean asking for 3 of those for average talent, I mean real, logical trade proposals) and spend the money saved in 08 to fill the holes ~ they could be back in competing in 2009 with a young promising team instead of an old underachieving one… It will take more than castoffs to compete with Det, Cle and prob even Minn the next couple years!

[beauhoopman]

I like your thinking Darkstar. I would keep Vazquez and deal Garland, but other than that, I totally agree with you.

[YanksForLife]

A-Rod is absolutely going nowhere. The yanks will sign him to a 4-year contract extension or something like that for a lot of money. He will continue to have great seasons and he will become beloved by yankee fans, and maybe, just maybe, the media might start to like him a little as well.

[beauhoopman]

I'll bet you 500 dollars that ARod gets a contract longer than 4 years.

[Cold Golden Falstaff]

Darkstar:

Your thinking on Jim Thome is incorrect. He's signed for another year and the Phillies are footing a part of the bill . At that rate, he's relatively inexpensive, steady production for a rebuilding White Sox team and doesn't have to field a position.

I see Konerko possibly traded before Thome, but I doubt that will happen either as Konerko has a limited NTC.

As for the rest of your White Sox trade prospects, you're pretty much on the money.

I'd try to keep Vazquez and Garland as the cornerstone starters with Buehrle, but the rest of the team, (except for Konerko, Thome, Fields, Jenks and Pierzynski) will likely be released or dealt before next spring.

The key for the Sox is to get a good return for this year's FAs, Dye and Iguchi hopefully bringing back an outfielder (or two) and midddle infielder in return.

As for Joe Crede, he's pretty much out for the season, but with Boras' rehab posturing last week I wouldn't be surprised if the Sox relase him in the offseason, as his trade value is pretty much nil.

[YanksForLife]

No, i agree, I think he is going to get a very long-term contract, but I was just using 4 years as an example, but I agree that it will be longer than that. My main point however, was that A-Rod is definitely going to stay in New York, with the Yankees.

[beauhoopman]

There is no reason to release Crede if he is healthy. Unless the Sox get Milledge or Kemp or some other big time prospect, their best option may be to move Fields to LF for the year and let Crede play 3rd. That is, IF Crede is healthy. Its certainly a better option than Podsednik or Erstad.

[nrmax88]

If everybody is so sure that the Yankees are keeping Alex, then why hasnt there been an extension yet? He said he wants an extension, Cashman said no. What is he waiting for?

[nightshift83]

Lets Not Forget Mark Big Money Cuban Is Interested In Puchasing The Cubs, If that Happens The Chases Of Getting A-Rod Just Turned In There Favor. And Zambrano Isn't Going Anywhere You Can Just Forget About That One!!!!!!

[beauhoopman]

No team in baseball can support a 126 million dollar salary, a 250 million dollar salary and a 100 million dollar salary on the same team, locked in over the next 5 or 6 years.