Sizing Up A-Rod Options

Alex Rodriguez is going to dominate the hot stove headlines for the next several months.  But I’ll be sure to give fair time to all the other interesting stories going on.  Anyway, a score of articles came out yesterday regarding Rodriguez’s possible suitors.  Let’s discuss.

• Giants: The storyline being promoted by the media is that the Giants need a superstar to replace Barry Bonds, and keeping the career home run record in house is especially appealing.  Plus, they are able to work with Scott Boras (hopefully there are no hard feelings over Barry Zito).  Ann Killion doesn’t like the idea, equating A-Rod to Barry Bonds in some ways.
• Tigers: One would guess that Edgar Renteria was their big offseason splash, but they also work well with Boras.  And Rodriguez could replace Brandon Inge at third base, adding 6-7 wins for the Tigers in the process.  However Lynn Henning does not see a match given the salary and also the home run-limiting ballpark. 
• Mariners: The Ms are being mentioned as a possibility if they can somehow unload Richie Sexson’s contract and trade Adrian Beltre.  This doesn’t seem realistic, though U.S.S. Mariner questions the perception of A-Rod in Seattle.
• Angels: This is my pick for Rodriguez.  However Mark Feinsand and Bill Madden have sources indicating that owner Arte Moreno has already informed Bud Selig he won’t be involved.  Moreno has also said publicly he doesn’t want to pay anyone $20MM+.  But Bill Shaikin has a source indicating that the Halos have indeed discussed A-Rod internally.  Doug Padilla is confident Rodriguez lands with the Angels or Dodgers.  Padilla spoke to a former NL GM still involved in baseball operations who noted a Rodriguez home purchase in the OC.  The Angels seem to be the favorite of oddsmakers, and GM Tony Reagins did not rule it out.
• Dodgers: Feinsand and Madden say the Joe Torre signing would be a deterrent for A-Rod.  I’m against spending that $7MM per year on any manager.  Manny Acta makes half a million bucks, he’s just as good.
• Cubs: Here we have the Lou Piniella connection and a shortstop opening.  We also have an unsettled ownership situation likely to get in the way.  Paul Sullivan doesn’t get the vibe that Jim Hendry will go after Rodriguez.  Piniella says the team hasn’t discussed it, and he "doesn’t think there’s anything there."   
• White Sox: Kenny Williams pretty much said "forget it."  That doesn’t mean there’s zero chance, but it’s always been highly unlikely that the Sox would change course and break the bank for a Boras client. 
• Phillies: Pat Gillick said the Phils were out of the A-Rod Sweepstakes a while ago.  He was at the helm when Rodriguez left the Ms.
• Red Sox: Epstein has already spoken about bringing Mike Lowell back as a top priority, though the team is flush wish cash and Rodriguez could play short for a few years.
• Mets: Mark Hale thinks it will at least be discussed at organizational meetings, even if it’s a long shot.  Bob Klapisch discusses the situation in greater detail here.  As you know, David Wright has said he’d move to second base for A-Rod.  Fantasy geeks would rejoice.   
• Marlins: Some have thrown them into this as a team with a low payroll and A-Rod’s hometown.  This just doesn’t seem likely at all.
• Rangers: Evan Grant thinks that even an unlikely second tour with Texas will be discussed internally.
• Blue Jays: They’re officially out per J.P. Ricciardi.  He expects a quiet offseason.
• Nate Silver does a nice job of summing up all the teams’ chances over at BP.