« Cashman Speaks On Yanks Direction & Failures | Main | Roberto Kelly Update »
November 20, 2007
A-Rod Deal Not Done Until It's Really Done
Today, the day after Alex Rodriguez won the 2007 AL MVP, I find myself thinking about when Alex also won the 2003 AL MVP.
At that time, A-Rod was traded to the Boston Red Sox. And, everyone was thrilled about it: Alex, Boston, and the Texas Rangers. It was a done deal – and all parties involved had a massive group hug and they sang "Living LA Dolce Vita" in unison. But, then, the MLBPA came along, raised their index finger into the air and said “Excuse me!” – and then the deal was dead because the MLBPA said that Alex would be taking a pay-cut to join the Red Sox (and that was not allowed). Next thing you know, A-Rod becomes a member of the New York Yankees. Bam!
Now, today, A-Rod is coming off another MVP award and is looking to re-sign with the Yankees. And, everyone seems thrilled about it. It appears to be a done deal. However, what if the Commissioner’s Office or the MLBPA now comes along and says “Excuse me!” and then brings up the “historical achievement bonus” that the Yankees and Alex will have in this deal – and says that it’s just a form of an incentive bonus that is not allowed in a player contract (under the rules of the road)?
Could Alex become a “Not Yankee” in 2007 just as fast as he became a “Not Red Sox” in 2003? Could some other team then come in out of nowhere, today, like the Yankees did in 2004, and then Rodriguez would have a new 2008 home TBD?
You have to admit, the chance is there – until the deal is 100% done...meaning approved by the Yankees, A-Rod, MLB and the MLBPA. Until that time, there’s no such thing as a done deal for Alex and the Yankees.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at November 20, 2007 09:48 AM
Comments
Assume for a second that this deal wasn't consummated (sp?). Then what? The Red Sox just re-signed Lowell and I doubt very much that they'd top 10 years/$275M to bring A-Rod back as a shortstop. I don't think the Angels will top that dollar amount. I don't think the Dodgers will either.
I have a hard time imagining people lining up for A-Rod now that the market is as clearly defined for what it would take. He more or less got the same deal he got in 2001, with a slight uptick for inflation. Do you really see anyone else doing that for him?
I agree that it's not done until it's done. But I'm not worried about poachers. Only Hank was willing to spend so lavishly.
Posted by: MJ ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.waswatching.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at November 20, 2007 11:00 AM
Who thought Alex would have signed with Texas, when he did? Baseball is a $6 billion industry. The money is out there - if someone besides the Yankees wants to spend it.
Posted by: Steve Lombardi at November 20, 2007 11:52 AM
The money is out there
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It is and it isn't.
But I take it that you believe there are still teams out there that would meet or top the 10 year/$275M? I certainly don't.
Posted by: MJ at November 20, 2007 12:06 PM
What MJ said.
Hank and Ca$hman are spelunkers. Bora$$ and A-Freud played them like a fiddle.
Posted by: Don at November 20, 2007 02:46 PM
Sure there are teams out there that could meet, if not beat that deal. A-Rod signed a $250 million 10 year deal with a non-Yankee team and the game was not generating as much revenue as it is today. I guess I'm a skeptic, but I don't think Boras is a god walking among men. Sometimes things don't go according to his masterplan.
Posted by: Nick from Washington Heights at November 20, 2007 08:39 PM