Seriously… A-Rod
by RussI don’t see how anyone can spin this as a vicotry for Boras. The bottom line is this: Boras told the Yankees that he wouldn’t even talk unless they started at $350 million. He also at the time A-Rod opted out, was making statements that A-Rod’s value is even higher when you factor in his worth to a regional sports network and he even threw out a $400 million figure. Here’s the other thing. A-Rod had to reach out to the Yankees first. The Yankees were content to make other arrangements. A-Rod had to initiate the call. Groveling is way too strong a word, but A-rod had to be conciliatory, he had to show some humility. And, above all else, as we have stated on this site many times: A-ROD HAD TO TELL THE STEINBRENNERS THAT HE WANTED TO BE A YANKEE. That is all they want to hear and the Yankees will make it happen. I was trying to rack my brain to name the player that the Yankees “low-balled” that they really wanted. I can’t. There’s no question that the Yankees wanted A-Rod back. He fulfills several needs (3B, right handed power, clean-up, etc.). But, the Yankees want fiscal responsibility. They were not about to wreck their whole structure for one player. They do not mind compensating A-Rod, but there has to be some responsibility there.
So it is A-Rod who had to reach out to the Yankees. The Yankees called Boras’ bluff. Because none of us are naive enough to think that if the Angels were going to give A-Rod $350 million, he would not be putting on a halo right now. No, he’s back because he does want to be a Yankee AND the Yankees are the only team that can satisfy him – money wise and legacy wise.
Before A-Rod opted out, I wanted him back. When he opted out, I resigned myself to looking at other things. There are other ways to build a team. He brings a circus with him, but in this case I’m willing to overlook it. He keeps himself in tremendous shape. He plays hard and everyday. He produces and produces in a big way. With the new emphasis on pitching, things should work out. I hope, I pray he gets along with Joe Girardi. It will be interesting to see what happens here on out. They have to bring Mo back into the fold. Â
I am glad A-Rod took the first step. I think he realized (with the help of Cynthia who probably loves leading a nice lifestyle in Manhattan) that New York is the place to be for the long term if you are involved in baseball.Â
2 comments November 15 2007 9:31 am | Russ | Discussion |
Do you think that Boras is completely out of the picture or is he using ARod as a puppet? Is Boras negotiating “through” ARod because he knows that the Steinbrenners want nothing to do with him?
Also, there has been some talk that an MLB team cannot negotiate directly with a player if he is represented by an agent. Therefore, are the Yankees acting illegally by negotiating directly with ARod and/or does ARod need to fire Boras and act on his own behalf for this deal to go through?
I do not think Boras is completely out of the picture. My sense is this: Boras convinced A-Rod that the best course of action was to opt out and he could fulfill his wishes on getting the biggest contract and keeping him with the yankees. When the Yankees said – if you opt out, we’re out, Boras told A-Rod that is was just negotiation, that the Yankees will be back in it. A-Rod probably was very ticked off at the whole World Series opting out announcement and all the negative press, and the public sentiment of the Yankee fans which was “hey, goodbye!” Plus, I’m sure Cynthia was like: “There’s no way I’m living in California. They got mudslides, wildfires. Even Julia Roberts had to move! I like it in New York.” A-Rod probably called Boras and told him that I’m going back to the Yankees because that’s where I want to be. When A-Rod told Hank that he made a mistake, the Yankees insisted on an up-front meeting to go over the ground rules – without Boras. I’m sure Boras (or his deputies) are actually working on the specifics, and A-Rod gave Boras his marching orders – make it happen. I’m glad A-Rod stodd and took control – many people say Boras leads him around on a leash, well A-Rod finally took control of his life and he wants to be a Yankee and he’s going to be a Yankee.