A-Rod Not Headed To Cubs
I spent a good amount of time speculating on possible new teams for Alex Rodriguez in 2008, especially the Cubs. I even assigned the Cubs’ chances at 15%. However, Rodriguez was fairly frank yesterday about that idea:
"Whoever writes that couldn’t be more wrong."
He loves the American League, the Yankees, and the nonstop media buzz. I do think Chicago is a top below New York and Boston for media insanity. We’ve got just two major newspapers here, and only Jay Mariotti can be counted on for something offensive on a regular basis.
Meanwhile, David Wright professed his willingness to move off third base if the Mets could acquire Rodriguez. The only alternative for Wright in ’08 would be left field, followed by first base after that.
Alex Rodriguez And The Cubs
UPDATE: In a related story, Jon Heyman of SI.com lists a slew of teams that inquired about Rodriguez’s availability this winter: the Angels, Dodgers, White Sox, Cubs, Giants, Phillies, Diamondbacks, and Indians. Heyman says the White Sox and Dodgers were the most persistent. None of the offers went anywhere given Rodriguez’s unwillingness to waive his no-trade clause.
Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News has an imposing mustache as well as some insight into Alex Rodriguez‘s next possible destination. The article involves Lou Piniella in his underwear as well as a lot of crying and one tender kiss. I found it touching.
Anyway, Raissman believes, based on an upcoming HBO interview with Rodriguez, that a reunion with Lou Piniella in Chicago would be a dream come true for him. Rodriguez responded to the idea thusly:
"He’s on a different team in a different league. My memories of Lou are in the present and the past, not the future."
This is not the first time Rodriguez has been connected to the Cubs. Last July, later confirmed by other sources, Bleed Cubbie Blue broke news of the team’s trading deadline interest.
I would imagine that Rodriguez would not play shortstop for the Cubs for the duration of his 5+ year contract. More likely to me: A-Rod plays shortstop for three seasons, through 2010. At that point, Derrek Lee‘s contract will be up and Aramis Ramirez might be ready to shift to first base. Ramirez is a Cub through 2011 or 2012.
Tim’s take – Chance of Alex Rodriguez signing with the Cubs in the ’07-’08 offseason: 15%.
A-Rod To Stay?
The latest quote from Alex Rodriguez:
"I want to be a Yankee and I understand my contract and I understand my options. My goal is to go in with Derek and Mo and open the new stadium. It’s pretty clear."
The interpretation is that he wants to be a Yankee in 2009. However, the above statement is very different from, "I will not exercise my out clause." Many folks still think A-Rod is leaving the Yankees after this season. Most likely, he hasn’t made any kind of decision yet. The A-Rod/Rivera storylines will follow us around all season, like it or not.
Tigers and A-Rod?
This is a kind of a non-story, but I feel like writing about it anyway. Lynn Henning of the Detroit News speculates that the Tigers could have interest in signing Alex Rodriguez should he become a free agent after the 2007 season.
The speculation is based on shortstop Carlos Guillen‘s impending free agency. Henning doesn’t think the Tigers will offer Guillen a contract longer than three years, and that the length could be a dealbreaker. Additionally, the Tigers have a positive relationship with Scott Boras. Finally, Henning notes that the Tigers were believed to have acquired about Rodriguez’s availability last July.
There seems to be an assumption that Rodriguez would serve as the shortstop for the 2008 Tigers, since Brandon Inge is under contract through 2010. To me that seems a questionable assumption. When was the last time a star player moved in the opposite direction on the defensive spectrum after the age of 30? (Not a sarcastic question, I’m really curious). And no, Darin Erstad moving from first back to center doesn’t count.
Tigers and A-Rod?
This is a kind of a non-story, but I feel like writing about it anyway. Lynn Henning of the Detroit News speculates that the Tigers could have interest in signing Alex Rodriguez should he become a free agent after the 2007 season.
The speculation is based on shortstop Carlos Guillen‘s impending free agency. Henning doesn’t think the Tigers will offer Guillen a contract longer than three years, and that the length could be a dealbreaker. Additionally, the Tigers have a positive relationship with Scott Boras. Finally, Henning notes that the Tigers were believed to have acquired about Rodriguez’s availability last July.
There seems to be an assumption that Rodriguez would serve as the shortstop for the 2008 Tigers, since Brandon Inge is under contract through 2010. To me that seems a questionable assumption. When was the last time a star player moved in the opposite direction on the defensive spectrum after the age of 30? (Not a sarcastic question, I’m really curious). And no, Darin Erstad moving from first back to center doesn’t count.
A-Rod To Opt Out?
Alex Rodriguez had an innocuous book signing appearance yesterday, but it resulted in no less than eight newspaper columns based on a few quotes. I read all of the articles I could find so you don’t have to.
In response to a question about opting out of his contract after the season, A-Rod replied:
"My situation and my only goal is to win a world championship, and I am going to take it day to day. Everything else will take care of itself."
Classic non-answer. Rodriguez also mentioned that he did not follow the J.D. Drew situation. The New York Times reports that a publicist from HarperCollins tried to stop reporters from asking questions and that a Newsday reported was pushed away by police. Newsday’s Jim Baumbach doesn’t mention that, perhaps preferring to leave himself out of the story.
Scott Boras talked to the AP yesterday, saying that A-Rod was happy in New York but also going on about how revenues in baseball have doubled and elite position players haven’t been properly rewarded. Boras and Rodriguez won’t discuss the opt-out clause until season’s end, according to the Post. If you’re Rodriguez, it’s a no-win situation. He’s not going to give up a contractual right he earned, nor is he going to make a definitive statement in the press so that he can be villainized later for it.
The New York Daily News reports that Rodriguez did mention a desire to represent the Yankees in the 2008 All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium.
The latest reports are that A-Rod has three years and $72MM left on his deal. While the AAV is probably close to what he could get on the open market, Rodriguez would obviously get a longer deal for more security.
Rodriguez also mentioned that he has no beef with Joe Torre for hitting him down in the order in the playoffs.
A-Rod To Opt Out?
Alex Rodriguez had an innocuous book signing appearance yesterday, but it resulted in no less than eight newspaper columns based on a few quotes. I read all of the articles I could find so you don’t have to.
In response to a question about opting out of his contract after the season, A-Rod replied:
"My situation and my only goal is to win a world championship, and I am going to take it day to day. Everything else will take care of itself."
Classic non-answer. Rodriguez also mentioned that he did not follow the J.D. Drew situation. The New York Times reports that a publicist from HarperCollins tried to stop reporters from asking questions and that a Newsday reported was pushed away by police. Newsday’s Jim Baumbach doesn’t mention that, perhaps preferring to leave himself out of the story.
Scott Boras talked to the AP yesterday, saying that A-Rod was happy in New York but also going on about how revenues in baseball have doubled and elite position players haven’t been properly rewarded. Boras and Rodriguez won’t discuss the opt-out clause until season’s end, according to the Post. If you’re Rodriguez, it’s a no-win situation. He’s not going to give up a contractual right he earned, nor is he going to make a definitive statement in the press so that he can be villainized later for it.
The New York Daily News reports that Rodriguez did mention a desire to represent the Yankees in the 2008 All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium.
The latest reports are that A-Rod has three years and $72MM left on his deal. While the AAV is probably close to what he could get on the open market, Rodriguez would obviously get a longer deal for more security.
Rodriguez also mentioned that he has no beef with Joe Torre for hitting him down in the order in the playoffs.
Early Retirement For A-Rod?
Alex Rodriguez, in an interview with Bob Costas from way back in September, talked about retiring after the 2010 season when his current contract is up. He backpedaled a little bit, but his words are causing a stir. Kind of like a delayed steal since he said it in September. Does this mean A-Rod is less likely to opt out after 2007 to try to get more security?
Bill James gives Rodriguez a 31% chance to reach 756 home runs and a 5% chance to reach 4,000 hits.
Healey On Bonderman, Belliard
Mark Healey has another rumor mill up with some interesting hot stove information.
He talked to a source regarding Jeremy Bonderman, the Tigers’ 24 year-old righty. Healey says the Tigers could look to acquire Alex Rodriguez for Bonderman. In addition, the Reds reportedly offered Adam Dunn, Jason LaRue, and Brandon Phillips and were turned down. Rightfully so.
Healey also reports that Ron Belliard is the Mets’ top choice for 2B, despite today’s reports about Mark Loretta.
He’s got plenty more, including info on Manny and Mark Mulder among others.
What Leads You Here
Today, someone arrived at MLBTradeRumors.com by asking, "Is Alex Rodriguez on the Cubs?"
I hate to disappoint, my friend, but he is not. But there’s no such thing as a stupid question.
In another news, I should have my 2007 Top 50 Free Agents list done around the end of the month. I like to put it out kind of early. It includes my rankings as well as predicted destinations. Let’s hope I can do a little better than last year.