If ARod signs with the Red Sox

[redoct11]

Will he pull a David Wells and make Yankee references every five seconds or will he call the Red Sox uniform a beautiful uniform and Boston a special place?

[Westlake]

IF he signed with the Sox, and thats a huge if, he wouldn't do what Boomer did. He's an ultimate team player and teammate. He's all about the team he's on, from what i've seen.

[DoubleX]

IF he signed with the Sox, and thats a huge if, he wouldn't do what Boomer did. He's an ultimate team player and teammate. He's all about the team he's on, from what i've seen.

It's true that he generally says the right things, always seems supportive of his team and winning, and he always plays hard, but if he leaves the Yankees and signs with anyone else, it means that he's likely first and foremost about the money, IMO (well that and perhaps he's really unhappy in New York, which doesn't outwardly seem to be the case).

[redoct11]

I still can't believe he's not with the Red Sox. That deal should of gone through. We could use him more than Manny at this point.

[Dogdaze]

I tend to doubt A-Rod would be much like Wells. Wells was a whiner.

I agree with Westlake, A-Rod's more of a team guy. Yankee fans, correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think A-Rod is a complainer, I think he tries his best and mostly keeps quiet.

But I hope the Sox don't sign A-Rod. For one thing, he turns 33 next July.
And as talented as he is, I keep hearing that he'll cost 30 to 35 million per year and will want 5 to 7 years for a contract. Thats a lot of money to pay for one player, even a player as talented as A-Rod.

Players start declining by their mid 30's so how much production would we get from him is debatable. I would speculate he'll be very production for a few years, but for 30+ million a year, I'd expect the type of numbers he put up this year for the length of the contract and I feel thats unrealistic to expect, given his age. To me signing A-Rod would not be worth it.

I'd rather re-sign Lowell, who is also in his mid 30's for 2 years with an option at say 10 to 12 million per year. Granted, he's not as talented as A-Rod, but at a 3rd of the cost and for what he does bring production-wise, that makes more sense to me.

[JordanDL3891]

if he joins the red sox, he will grow a beard (ex Damon to yankees, cuts his beard)

[Boston Boxer]

Crazy talk. no way he is on this team next year or any year. he is and always will be a punk...and further more, i don't want any former Yankee on this team

[Westlake]

It's true that he generally says the right things, always seems supportive of his team and winning, and he always plays hard, but if he leaves the Yankees and signs with anyone else, it means that he's likely first and foremost about the money, IMO (well that and perhaps he's really unhappy in New York, which doesn't outwardly seem to be the case).

Oh, I know it would be about the money, but my point was that when he plays for a team, he's not going to disrespect the organization... He could have in Texas (almost did once) all the time, but just kept on winning games for them.

[Williamsburg2599]

Crazy talk. no way he is on this team next year or any year. he is and always will be a punk...and further more, i don't want any former Yankee on this team

No former Yankees? I do obviously dislike some of them, but a lot of them, including Matsui or , for example, have done nothing to bug me in the past. (other than putting on pinstripes;))

[DoubleX]

Oh, I know it would be about the money, but my point was that when he plays for a team, he's not going to disrespect the organization... He could have in Texas (almost did once) all the time, but just kept on winning games for them.

You're right. Watching him this year though, he really seems to be enjoying being a Yankee and he really seems to have bonded with a number of his teammates, notably Cabrera and Cano. Watching A-Rod's enthusiasm today when Melky had the game winning hit was a good picture of this, and he then gave a perfect post-game interview, putting things in perspective and giving credit to others. I really think that once you get past the money thing, A-Rod is a pretty good teammate and someone who will show up everyday and play hard everyday. It's really ashame that so many Yankee fans don't realize what a special player he is.

Anyway, my point with this ramble is that I'm increasingly finding it difficult to believe that he will leave the Yankees. Granted, if he puts up another stinker of a postseason, he may be ridden out of town (wrongly so, since the team's in the postseason because of him). Otherwise, watching A-Rod, in every sense this year, he finally seems comfortable and like he's have a great time with the Yankees.

[Mattingly]

I tend to doubt A-Rod would be much like Wells. Wells was a whiner.

I agree with Westlake, A-Rod's more of a team guy. Yankee fans, correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think A-Rod is a complainer, I think he tries his best and mostly keeps quiet.

But I hope the Sox don't sign A-Rod. For one thing, he turns 33 next July.
And as talented as he is, I keep hearing that he'll cost 30 to 35 million per year and will want 5 to 7 years for a contract. Thats a lot of money to pay for one player, even a player as talented as A-Rod.

Players start declining by their mid 30's so how much production would we get from him is debatable. I would speculate he'll be very production for a few years, but for 30+ million a year, I'd expect the type of numbers he put up this year for the length of the contract and I feel thats unrealistic to expect, given his age. To me signing A-Rod would not be worth it.

I'd rather re-sign Lowell, who is also in his mid 30's for 2 years with an option at say 10 to 12 million per year. Granted, he's not as talented as A-Rod, but at a 3rd of the cost and for what he does bring production-wise, that makes more sense to me.
Alex doesn't seem like a whiner. However, I do think that he likes a certain amount of attention. He wasn't too crazy when Schilling said he wasn't a "real Yankee". In fact, I've known Yankee fans as far back as Yogi's 1st season (1946), and they don't know what a "real Yankee" is either. Anyway, nobody on the Yanks came to Alex' defense.

Then ther'es the booing that finally ended this season. He never liked that. He wanted to be played, appreciated, but I don't think he wanted to be the center of attention. He already knows that Derek Jeter lies front-row center here.

I don't see his age being an issue. If you want younger guys, then he can't help that. I wouldn't say that a 5-year deal would be ideal, especially if long-term, but that's up to what Boras can get. Remember, Bora$ once wanted $100m for Bonds (after around the 2003 season), which would've been $25m/yr x 4 yrs. Nobody bit, so he got $18m/yr from the Giants.

I think that signing Alex would be crazy. You've already got a fine 3Bman. If it's not a weakness, then in the "if it ain't broke ..." philosophy, why bother? However, Mike Lowell is said to be asking up to $15m next season. Can Boston pay that? If not, then they won't be able to pay Rodriguez either.

Ideally, you could sign Alex to play SS and Lowell stays at 3B, but that would be $45m/yr just for 2 guys. That's an entire payroll of 25 guys for some smaller teams (3 times Florida's 2007 payroll).

I think it would be better off to re-sign Lowell for a good price, and see if there are any shortstops available who can hit and field well.

[Mattingly]

if he joins the red sox, he will grow a beard (ex Damon to yankees, cuts his beard)
There would have to be an exception, and he would be it. That guy's too clean-cut to grow any bears. If he did, that would truly surprise me.

Of all the players we'd brought in, only Moose, himself and Matsui didn't have to worry about a barber. Giambi, Damon and Unit all had to shear their locks or facial hair.

Crazy talk. no way he is on this team next year or any year. he is and always will be a punk...and further more, i don't want any former Yankee on this team
So what about David Cone, David Wells, Ramiro Mendoza, Wily Mo Pena and Mike Lowell? Which team did they all play for? The last 3 came from that team's farm system.

[Senor Octobre]

We could use him more than Manny at this point.

Sure, but I'll take Manny's '04 contributions against anything A-Rod's done for the Yanks up to this point. It's not even close.

[redoct11]

Alex doesn't seem like a whiner. However, I do think that he likes a certain amount of attention. He wasn't too crazy when Schilling said he wasn't a "real Yankee". In fact, I've known Yankee fans as far back as Yogi's 1st season (1946), and they don't know what a "real Yankee" is either. Anyway, nobody on the Yanks came to Alex' defense.

Then ther'es the booing that finally ended this season. He never liked that. He wanted to be played, appreciated, but I don't think he wanted to be the center of attention. He already knows that Derek Jeter lies front-row center here.

I don't see his age being an issue. If you want younger guys, then he can't help that. I wouldn't say that a 5-year deal would be ideal, especially if long-term, but that's up to what Boras can get. Remember, Bora$ once wanted $100m for Bonds (after around the 2003 season), which would've been $25m/yr x 4 yrs. Nobody bit, so he got $18m/yr from the Giants.

I think that signing Alex would be crazy. You've already got a fine 3Bman. If it's not a weakness, then in the "if it ain't broke ..." philosophy, why bother? However, Mike Lowell is said to be asking up to $15m next season. Can Boston pay that? If not, then they won't be able to pay Rodriguez either.

Ideally, you could sign Alex to play SS and Lowell stays at 3B, but that would be $45m/yr just for 2 guys. That's an entire payroll of 25 guys for some smaller teams (3 times Florida's 2007 payroll).

I think it would be better off to re-sign Lowell for a good price, and see if there are any shortstops available who can hit and field well.

Why would signing him be crazy? We need another big bat in the lineup. Ortiz-ARod-Manny would drive in a lot of runs.

[Boston Boxer]

There would have to be an exception, and he would be it. That guy's too clean-cut to grow any bears. If he did, that would truly surprise me.

Of all the players we'd brought in, only Moose, himself and Matsui didn't have to worry about a barber. Giambi, Damon and Unit all had to shear their locks or facial hair.

So what about David Cone, David Wells, Ramiro Mendoza, Wily Mo Pena and Mike Lowell? Which team did they all play for? The last 3 came from that team's farm system.

i don't mean farm system. I meant the deadbeats that join the Yankees for a ring...GiambiJuice, Damon, Matsui, Unit, Clemens, AROD and players like that i have no respect for. I am talking about big league for the most part. I never liked Cone, Wells, or Mendoza. I just would not be able to like them because of the hatread i have for the Yankees.

[Mattingly]

i don't mean farm system. I meant the deadbeats that join the Yankees for a ring...GiambiJuice, Damon, Matsui, Unit, Clemens, AROD and players like that i have no respect for. I am talking about big league for the most part. I never liked Cone, Wells, or Mendoza. I just would not be able to like them because of the hatread i have for the Yankees.
Was it the ring or the money? I tend to wonder.Of those who came to the Yanks, only Rocket helped us get a ring. I think he's the most interesting for several reasons.

Giambi had some language removed from his contract that had the word "steroids" in it. Therefore, the Yanks couldn't void his contract if he was found to be taking this. I seriously doubt that would ever happen again.

I'm not sure how much the Cards were willing to pay him, but the final negotiations were between the Yanks and his only team, the A's. The A's went as high as $16m w/o a no-trade, and the Yanks went to $17.1m. Oakland couldn't match that offer. End of negotiations, deal was inked. No ring for him.

Damon, who's infamous for saying he'd never signing with the Yanks, never got the homecoming video & tribute that Pedro did as a NY Met. Heck, even 3Bman Robin Ventura, as a Yankee, got one as at Shea, from where he was traded.

Anyway, I think that Boston only offered $10-11m, while the Yanks gave him a $13m "take-it-or-leave-it" type of deal with very little time to decide. He took the pricier deal, since he must've known that he wasn't getting a 7-year deal in the $90-100m range from anybody.

Johnson claimed that he wouldn't waive his no-trade for any team other than the Yankees. However, why didn't he do so before the 2004 season when, after Clemens and Pettitte left for Houston, we had nobody to match up against Schilling? Moose couldn't get that job done, since he's been a #3 pitcher here for most of his career.

Which other team would've given a 41-y.o. player a $32m/2 yr extension, in addition to his $16m salary? I don't think the Yanks paid his full salary, since GM Brian Cashman gave Arizona the option of the Yanks paying more money and them receiving lesser players, or the Yanks paying lesser money, and them receiving better players (C, Dioner Navarro, now with TB was the lead player in the trade). Since Navarro was traded, the Yanks paid lesser money in 2005, and all of his extension for 2006. In 2007, I think that Arizona paid about $14m of his $16m for 2007, *AND* gave him a 2-year extension beyond that. :eek: No rings for him.

Clemens came over, despite his being a well-known Red Sox farm & MLB player, one who'd hit our players. However, he was obviously a great player. He was seen as being evil, even by Evil Empire fans of the Darth Vader variety who'd rarely applauded his efforts. He was very fit (unlike his 1996 season in Boston), unsmiling, cool and unbeloved. To get him from Toronto, we had to give up the chubby, affable, smiling and beer-drinking, very much beloved blue collar fan favorite, David "Boomer" Wells, who'd once illegally worn a game-used "Babe" jersey (won at auction). He was our ace in the 1998 season, but that's what it took to make the deal, along with a lefty reliever and bench infielder.

Clemens' purpose was not to *GET* a ring, but from what I've heard, to help the Yanks reasonably maintain getting more rings. By this, he wasn't brought along to happen to get a ring, but be a main driver in helping the *TEAM* get more rings. Nobody figured that the glorious 1998 season could've been repeated, so Clemens was broght along to help the team keep winning. 2 rings for Rocket (1999-2000) as a result.

Rodriguez was brought along for various purposes. One was that Aaron Boone had hurt himself riding a motorcycle (or playing basketball), which was illegal in his contract. This opened up an infield spot. This was just a few months before ST, so who could be signed?

Enter Alex Rodriguez, whose team could no longer afford his ridiculous contract (heck, even I'll admit this). Boston, which doesn't seem to wish to exceed the lux tax, only offered Manny, which wouldn't have made much fiscal sense for a team trying to trade a player that took about 1/3 of their entire payroll. Other than the Mets or maybe the LA Dodgers, I can't think of another team that could afford him. To me, only a big-market team could afford to market him sufficiently to return profitably on such a huge investment, even if $9.2m was being paid by Texas' owner, Tom Hicks.

No rings for him, but his time here has certainly been well-noted in the media. He finally has gone to a competitive team. Unlike Ivan Rodriguez and Magglio Ordonez, who'd gone as FA's to Motown and made the WS, Alex finally realized that Texas wasn't making more than last place, which could've been done w/o his help.

That's the story, Jerry! (from an old NYC union members commercial)

[Mattingly]

Why would signing him be crazy? We need another big bat in the lineup. Ortiz-ARod-Manny would drive in a lot of runs.
So you'd have a player making $30m in the same lineup as Manny making $20m, and in his final season? That's $50m just for two players. You think that Boston would be willing to pay for that?

Finally, where would he play? If they want him playing 3B, then Lowell goes elsewhere. If they want him playing SS, it's easy to make Lugo a bench player, but do you also sign Lowell for $15m, or even $13m?

If you have Ortiz ($12m), Rodriguez ($30m), Ramirez ($20m) and Lowell ($15m) on the same 2008 payroll, then that's $77m amongst 4 players. If that's not crazy, I don't know what is. Especially since Boston hasn't spent as much on multiple players as the Yanks have over the past years.

I'd sometimes wonder if they made offers to Rodriguez, if it would be to entice him to be an FA (thus, getting him away from the Yanks), or if they actually wanted him in their lineup and would try outbidding other suitors, possibly the Mets, Dodgers and Angels.

Sure, but I'll take Manny's '04 contributions against anything A-Rod's done for the Yanks up to this point. It's not even close.
You're saying that Manny's done more for the Red Sox in 2004 than Rodriguez has for the Yanks in 2007? Or the opposite?

[Senor Octobre]

You're saying that Manny's done more for the Red Sox in 2004 than Rodriguez has for the Yanks in 2007? Or the opposite?

I'm saying IF keeping Manny meant winning the world series in '04 and getting a-rod meant not winning the ws at all (granted this season is not done), but getting all sorts of wonderful stats, I'll take door number one.

[punker268]

He's not gonna sign with the Red Sox. It's either him or Varitek. There's too much clashing and hatred between the two. Just saying, they're gonna keep 'Tek. I mean, he is the captain.

[maximum jack]

If ARod signs with the Red Sox

I would root for the Yankees.

[redoct11]

So you'd have a player making $30m in the same lineup as Manny making $20m, and in his final season? That's $50m just for two players. You think that Boston would be willing to pay for that?

Finally, where would he play? If they want him playing 3B, then Lowell goes elsewhere. If they want him playing SS, it's easy to make Lugo a bench player, but do you also sign Lowell for $15m, or even $13m?

If you have Ortiz ($12m), Rodriguez ($30m), Ramirez ($20m) and Lowell ($15m) on the same 2008 payroll, then that's $77m amongst 4 players. If that's not crazy, I don't know what is. Especially since Boston hasn't spent as much on multiple players as the Yanks have over the past years.

I'd sometimes wonder if they made offers to Rodriguez, if it would be to entice him to be an FA (thus, getting him away from the Yanks), or if they actually wanted him in their lineup and would try outbidding other suitors, possibly the Mets, Dodgers and Angels.

You're saying that Manny's done more for the Red Sox in 2004 than Rodriguez has for the Yanks in 2007? Or the opposite?


They did dish out an awful lot of money for Dice-K, Lugo and Drew so why not spend a ton on someone who completely changes the dynamic of your lineup? This team needs more offensive power and A-Rod would certainly shore that area up.

[redoct11]

I'm saying IF keeping Manny meant winning the world series in '04 and getting a-rod meant not winning the ws at all (granted this season is not done), but getting all sorts of wonderful stats, I'll take door number one.

I think they still win the World Series because remember after A-Rod they were going to get Magglio too. Imagine what this lineup looks like this year with Oritz-ARod-Magglio? 100+ wins definately.

[redoct11]

He's not gonna sign with the Red Sox. It's either him or Varitek. There's too much clashing and hatred between the two. Just saying, they're gonna keep 'Tek. I mean, he is the captain.

Well Varitek is going to have to stop his whining and understand that signing ARod is a huge upgrade for the team.

[redoct11]

I would root for the Yankees.

Hold grudges much?

[-Kyle-]

I think they still win the World Series because remember after A-Rod they were going to get Magglio too. Imagine what this lineup looks like this year with Oritz-ARod-Magglio? 100+ wins definately.

But hitting coaches could have helped differently, but if they were the same this year we would have the top three players in the AL OPS+ this year.

[Dogdaze]

Alex doesn't seem like a whiner. However, I do think that he likes a certain amount of attention. He wasn't too crazy when Schilling said he wasn't a "real Yankee". In fact, I've known Yankee fans as far back as Yogi's 1st season (1946), and they don't know what a "real Yankee" is either. Anyway, nobody on the Yanks came to Alex' defense.

Then ther'es the booing that finally ended this season. He never liked that. He wanted to be played, appreciated, but I don't think he wanted to be the center of attention. He already knows that Derek Jeter lies front-row center here.

I don't see his age being an issue. If you want younger guys, then he can't help that. I wouldn't say that a 5-year deal would be ideal, especially if long-term, but that's up to what Boras can get. Remember, Bora$ once wanted $100m for Bonds (after around the 2003 season), which would've been $25m/yr x 4 yrs. Nobody bit, so he got $18m/yr from the Giants.

I think that signing Alex would be crazy. You've already got a fine 3Bman. If it's not a weakness, then in the "if it ain't broke ..." philosophy, why bother? However, Mike Lowell is said to be asking up to $15m next season. Can Boston pay that? If not, then they won't be able to pay Rodriguez either.

Ideally, you could sign Alex to play SS and Lowell stays at 3B, but that would be $45m/yr just for 2 guys. That's an entire payroll of 25 guys for some smaller teams (3 times Florida's 2007 payroll).

I think it would be better off to re-sign Lowell for a good price, and see if there are any shortstops available who can hit and field well.

Speaking of the whiner Wells, I went to the Dbacks game last night and watched Well's give up a HR on his first pitch to Chris Young, I had to laugh! He then proceeded to give up 5 ER in 4.5 innings.

My buddy who went with me to the game is a Dodgers fan and said, "I knew the Dodgers were in trouble when they signed Wells".

I think Well's is pretty much done. I'm guessing this is his last year.

But back on topic, Yes I agree that the Sox best option would be to re-sign Lowell, but not for 15 mil per year. As good as he's been the past two years, I believe he's going to be 34 next year, and while I believe he'll be good, again thats an age when players start declining. I feel 10 to 12 mil per year would be fair for 2 years with a team option for a 3rd.

As for signing A-Rod, the Sox do have the cash to pay him. But I do agree that it would be crazy to sign him for 30+ million a year.

However, I keep hearing that the Sox management really likes him and will attempt to sign him, so who knows. But I hope they don't!

[MudvilleMike]

I still can't believe he's not with the Red Sox. That deal should of gone through. We could use him more than Manny at this point.

Too bad we finally won the World Series in 2004 :rolleyes:

[MudvilleMike]

I think Well's is pretty much done. I'm guessing this is his last year.

He's still 3-1 with the Dodgers so they can't complain. I have to admit that I like Wells and hope he can last yet another year, but he will be 45! 238-157

[redoct11]

Too bad we finally won the World Series in 2004 :rolleyes:

Again, how do you know they wouldn't have won the World Series with ARod and Magglio on the team?

[Evangelion]

Not sure how you develop hate for a person none of you known real well at all.

[-Kyle-]

Again, how do you know they wouldn't have won the World Series with ARod and Magglio on the team?

That is true. Would A-Rod/Maggs be better than Manny/and our hideous SS platoons? I would say its close for 2004, but much better in the long run.

[Mattingly]

I'm saying IF keeping Manny meant winning the world series in '04 and getting a-rod meant not winning the ws at all (granted this season is not done), but getting all sorts of wonderful stats, I'll take door number one.
So by this, you'd want Manny in 2008, which is his walk year, with the likelihood that he could help Boston win a WS.

You would also want A-Rod presuming that he'd likely help your team win a WS, and not just him getting big stats and your team not getting to or losing the WS?

I don't think that one player is responsible for winning the WS, since I've always thought of it as a team effort.

[Mattingly]

Speaking of the whiner Wells, I went to the Dbacks game last night and watched Well's give up a HR on his first pitch to Chris Young, I had to laugh! He then proceeded to give up 5 ER in 4.5 innings.

My buddy who went with me to the game is a Dodgers fan and said, "I knew the Dodgers were in trouble when they signed Wells".

I think Well's is pretty much done. I'm guessing this is his last year.

But back on topic, Yes I agree that the Sox best option would be to re-sign Lowell, but not for 15 mil per year. As good as he's been the past two years, I believe he's going to be 34 next year, and while I believe he'll be good, again thats an age when players start declining. I feel 10 to 12 mil per year would be fair for 2 years with a team option for a 3rd.

As for signing A-Rod, the Sox do have the cash to pay him. But I do agree that it would be crazy to sign him for 30+ million a year.

However, I keep hearing that the Sox management really likes him and will attempt to sign him, so who knows. But I hope they don't!
Boomer, I presume, is done. Please go to the food store, and in the "turkey" section, find a fork and stick it in his belly. :D

Boomer had his good moments reminding him of his better years. His body type, seeming lack of exercise is finally proving his skeptics correct that he'd not last long, even if about 5 years later than they'd predicted. He was mean on Boston when here; he was mean on the Yanks when over there.

As to Lowell, they could either offer him arb, and hope that he doesn't go for the sun, moon and stars, or they could try offering him a deal, to test the waters. I'm unsure when the arbitration deadline is, but if they could get him for 3 seasons, that may work. I'm thinking that a player of his capabilities, not just age, may ask for 3 years + team option, not just 2 + team option (or even mutual option, since a player option is likely not likely to happen).

Who else is an FA this winter? Is Varitek an FA, as someone had mentioned? Slumping or not, and especially after one certain 2004 incident I'd rather not discuss, I figure he's got his place in Red Sox fans' hearts. He's supposed to know those pitchers well, is "in sync" with them, so I believe he'd need to be taken care of first. Considering there's a deadline for a team to sign its own players, which precedes signing other teams' FAs, I'd say that decision is easy.

I personally think that they should try trading for Miguel Tejada if they want a dangerous SS. He's not the superstar that A-Rod is, but he can still do the job.

First, I tend to think that Alex Rodriguez has gotten past the fans' at Yankee Stadium booing him, but I think there's still a few "bones to pick" between himself, the Boston fans, Schilling and Varitek.

Second, I think that the Globe, NESN & WEEI would need to work overtime to spin this thing. I remember after so many chants in the past against Jeter that "Nomah's Better", they then had to convince the chanters that things would go better for the team once their homegrown Golden Boy were traded away.

To me, they'd need to do something heavy-duty in order to convince the Boston fans that Alex Rodriguez is the best deal. Everyone knows of his stats, but would they like him? To me, he'd have a harder time in his first year there than did Clemens' 1999 season when he was here.

[Senor Octobre]

I don't think that one player is responsible for winning the WS, since I've always thought of it as a team effort.

Of course not, but we're talking about two go-to players here, one who's been a proven asset in october and one who's been a notoriously chronic choker. All I was saying is given the choice I'll take Manny and his recent injuries if it meant winning in '04, rather than A-rod and his monster 05 & 07, if it meant probably not winning (a WS) at all over the last 3+ years (which is what he's done with the yanks). Obviously I'm not saying both players are solely responsible for their team's postseason success (although I'll admit, it came out that way), but each players' offensive production has had a large bearing on their team's postseason success (or lack thereof) and Manny has been known to show up in the playoffs (i.e. 2004), whereas Rodriguez has been known to disappear (ie 04, 05, 06). If the Sox had Rodriguez in 04 rather than Ramirez, yeah maybe they would have won the World Series (Ortiz would've been there to pick up a-rod's inevitable slack), but Manny was a key part of that teams chemistry as well as an offensive monster. I'm not upset the sox didn't get A-rod in fall '03, even if he's having a monster year this year and Manny's been out for 23 games and counting, because if we got him then who's to say we would have won in '04. I wasn't upset then and I won't be upset if we don't have a $30m albatross hanging around our necks next spring.

[redoct11]

Of course not, but we're talking about two go-to players here, one who's been a proven asset in october and one who's been a notoriously chronic choker. All I was saying is given the choice I'll take Manny and his recent injuries if it meant winning in '04, rather than A-rod and his monster 05 & 07, if it meant probably not winning (a WS) at all over the last 3+ years (which is what he's done with the yanks). Obviously I'm not saying both players are solely responsible for their team's postseason success (although I'll admit, it came out that way), but each players' offensive production has had a large bearing on their team's postseason success (or lack thereof) and Manny has been known to show up in the playoffs (i.e. 2004), whereas Rodriguez has been known to disappear (ie 04, 05, 06). If the Sox had Rodriguez in 04 rather than Ramirez, yeah maybe they would have won the World Series (Ortiz would've been there to pick up a-rod's inevitable slack), but Manny was a key part of that teams chemistry as well as an offensive monster. I'm not upset the sox didn't get A-rod in fall '03, even if he's having a monster year this year and Manny's been out for 23 games and counting, because if we got him then who's to say we would have won in '04. I wasn't upset then and I won't be upset if we don't have a $30m albatross hanging around our necks next spring.

Again, who's to say they wouldn't with ARod? And ARod didn't choke in the 2004 postseason. Look at his SLG%. ARod would of won ALCS MVP had the Yankees won that series. If anyone choked in the 2004 postseason it was Jeter.

[Matt1901]

Boomer had his good moments reminding him of his better years. His body type, seeming lack of exercise is finally proving his skeptics correct that he'd not last long, even if about 5 years later than they'd predicted. He was mean on Boston when here; he was mean on the Yanks when over there.He's 44 years old. How does is it have to do with his body type at this point? I think the fact he's still pitching at 44 years of age proves the skeptics wrong. He is in his 21st season in the majors.

[Matt1901]

I don't think that one player is responsible for winning the WS, since I've always thought of it as a team effort.So you wouldn't mind if the Sox took A-Rod off of your hands?

[Boston Boxer]

Not sure how you develop hate for a person none of you known real well at all.

i don't hate the person personnaly, just hate what they stand for. no need to dig deeper that that

[redoct11]

Today was a good example of why you need a guy like A-Rod in your lineup. Anyone who doesn't want him has their head filled with hatred.

[MudvilleMike]

Again, how do you know they wouldn't have won the World Series with ARod and Magglio on the team?

Because I visited a parallel universe where the deal was approved. The Red Sox finished in last place for three straight years!

I wouldn't change 2004 for anything. Period.

As for getting A-Rod next year, it's worth considering, but the price is going to be so steep that even the Red Sox will be betting the farm on him. It's not exactly a secret that A-Rod is a great ballplayer.

[MudvilleMike]

He's 44 years old. How does is it have to do with his body type at this point? I think the fact he's still pitching at 44 years of age proves the skeptics wrong. He is in his 21st season in the majors.

Exactly. It's hilarious that anyone could think otherwise.

[Mattingly]

He's 44 years old. How does is it have to do with his body type at this point? I think the fact he's still pitching at 44 years of age proves the skeptics wrong. He is in his 21st season in the majors.
I should've stated it more clearly. He's finally at the end of the road, but at least 5 years after people had predicted. Around 1999, I'd heard that he wouldn't be around for very long, then he kept acting like the Energizer Bunny, in that he just kept putting a ball into that left hand of his and throwing it.

So you wouldn't mind if the Sox took A-Rod off of your hands?
Yes I would. However, it's his decision at this point.

I think that GMs will be more wary of opt-out clauses from now on, since when you sign a contract of that magnitude, allowing them to walk away from that seems weird. JD Drew had a similar deal, which is how Boston acquired him as an FA.

[GOSOX0045]

There is no way A Rod goes to the sox i mean look at this
<a href="http://imageshack.us"><img src="http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/3580/13550838dp9.jpg" border="0" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us"/></a><br/>

[Matt1901]

There is no way A Rod goes to the sox i mean look at this
That's not a big deal. They were opposing players on heated rivals at the time.

[Jager]

Crazy talk. no way he is on this team next year or any year. he is and always will be a punk...and further more, i don't want any former Yankee on this team



Personally I would love it. He's an incredible player, and the fact that he left the Yankees to come to Boston, he would be loved by the fans unlike in New York. Plus it would be the ultimate FU to the New York fans that booed him when he had a down year of .289 and 30 something homers. I would love it. Plus we'll need someone since Manny isn't the Manny of old, and he'll likely be gone after next year.

[MudvilleMike]

You know, I can live with the Yanks keeping A-Rod :rofl:

[Jager]

You can't blame ARod for their problems in the postseason so far. They have run into very good pitching.

[MudvilleMike]

You can't blame ARod for their problems in the postseason so far. They have run into very good pitching.

Pitching to him with a runner in scoring position, the game on the line and a base open speaks for itself. Hilarious.

[Matt1901]

There are other Yankees that aren't hitting very much.

Derek Jeter: 1 for 8, 1 TB, 1 BB, 0 R, 0 RBI
Jorge Posada: 0 for 7, 1 BB, 0 R, 0 RBI
Hideki Matsui: 0 for 7, 1 BB, 0 R, 0 RBI

I do think that much of the blame will be directed at A-Rod. The media darling Jeter's probably not going to get any heat, and granted, he has done a lot in the past during the postseason to make that fair.

I don't know how it will affect his decision to opt out of his contract. In one regard he might worry about the poor showing's effect on earning potential. However, he might also be sick of the New York media and go else where.

[Yanksfan]

he should go to a team that wont make the post-season, that way he won't be scrutinized as a choker.

[SwissRedSoxFan]

at mlb.com Boras is quoted: "Alex could play till he is 45 years old. His next team is a team, that is going to be able to watch his all-time hr-record-pursuit."

I would give A-Rod a 7-year contract. But not a ten-year or even more. If Boras wants him to sign till 45. Then you can keep him. Besides, I think its kind of childish, that Scott Boras has to speak for him as if he was Alex Rodriguez himself. If Alex Rodriguez wants to sign a twelve-year-contract then, he is egoistic, because that would mean he just wants to beat the HR-record. I want a player on my team, who does everything to win. Get a bunt down or a bloob-single if needed. But this sentence of Boras looks like we might have the next Barry Bonds. Looking HR every AB. The team around A-Rod would stink for sure...

[maximum jack]

There are other Yankees that aren't hitting very much.

Derek Jeter: 1 for 8, 1 TB, 1 BB, 0 R, 0 RBI
Jorge Posada: 0 for 7, 1 BB, 0 R, 0 RBI
Hideki Matsui: 0 for 7, 1 BB, 0 R, 0 RBI

I'm not accusing you of this Matt, but it seems like A-Rod's supporters want it both ways. On the one hand they keep telling us that the Yankees would not have been in the post-season without A-Rod (thus discounting the other 24 guys on the team), but as soon as you mention he didn't pull his weight in the playoffs they suddenly are all too willing to spread the blame around pointing fingers at DJ and Wang. I'm just asking for consistency.

And no, I still don't want him on my team. I hope he goes off to San Fran with a billion dollar contract for 25 years and destroys Barry's Record.

[Yanksfan]

I'm not accusing you of this Matt, but it seems like A-Rod's supporters want it both ways. On the one hand they keep telling us that the Yankees would not have been in the post-season without A-Rod (thus discounting the other 24 guys on the team), but as soon as you mention he didn't pull his weight in the playoffs they suddenly are all too willing to spread the blame around pointing fingers at DJ and Wang. I'm just asking for consistency.

And no, I still don't want him on my team. I hope he goes off to San Fran with a billion dollar contract for 25 years and destroys Barry's Record.


but Arod is the only player w/ 50 men left on base, 1 RBI (solo home run when Yanks losing 6-2 late) w/ about .100 batting average, the last 3 yrs.

[Yanksfan]

After acquiring mussina, yanks never won the world series again.

after acquiring pay-rod, yanks first got humiliated by the red sox in the ALCS losing a 3-0 series lead.

THEN got bounced in the first round, 3 years in a row.

arod's batting avg last 3 yrs, 0.100, with 50 men left on base and one RBI. (solo blast w/ the yanks losing 2-6 in the 7th inning)

the curse of pay-rod is officially on!

[Matt1901]

After acquiring mussina, yanks never won the world series again.

after acquiring pay-rod, yanks first got humiliated by the red sox in the ALCS losing a 3-0 series lead.

THEN got bounced in the first round, 3 years in a row.

arod's batting avg last 3 yrs, 0.100, with 50 men left on base and one RBI. (solo blast w/ the yanks losing 2-6 in the 7th inning)

the curse of pay-rod is officially on!I prefer the Curse of the Giambino.

The Yankees wouldn't have gotten any where near the playoffs if it wasn't for A-Rod this season.

I personally think that he was pressing too much. He seemed like he was trying to hit a home run in every at bat, and the Indians pitchers weren't giving him many hittable pitches, especially with other batters struggling in the Yankees lineup.

Looking over A-Rod's career postseasons numbers shows that he has had some success. He had .894 OPS in the 2004 A.L.C.S. and a 1.213 OPS in that year's Division Series. In his career, he has a OPS of 1.024 in the A.L.C.S. over 14 Games. His career postseason OPS is a very respectable .844. Do you know what Derek Jeter's career postseason OPS is? It's two points higher, .846.

[TonyStarks]

After acquiring mussina, yanks never won the world series again.

after acquiring pay-rod, yanks first got humiliated by the red sox in the ALCS losing a 3-0 series lead.

THEN got bounced in the first round, 3 years in a row.

arod's batting avg last 3 yrs, 0.100, with 50 men left on base and one RBI. (solo blast w/ the yanks losing 2-6 in the 7th inning)

the curse of pay-rod is officially on!

And like I said, after Derek Jeter became Captain of the Yankees they have won "0" World Series.

Maybe it's really a Curse of the Psuedo-Captain. ;)

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Crazy talk. no way he is on this team next year or any year. he is and always will be a punk...and further more, i don't want any former Yankee on this team So you didn't root for Wells?